Zach, Aubrey & Gage

I was fortunate enough to be referred to Aubrey through my sweet friend, Celesta (previously shot photos of her with her mom). Aubrey is such a sweet heart and needless to say, the energy between these three pours through the photos! I was friends with Zach in high school but haven't kept in much contact since so I was thrilled to find out I'd be shooting photos of him and his little one, Gage! As you can see, Gage is too cute for words! I had so much fun shooting these photos...thank you Aubrey for the opportunity! Hope you all enjoy!:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

-Abby
PS- HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cora

I was asked by my good friend Tmonster (aka Tristan) if I could shoot some photos of his beautiful little niece, Cora, for Christmas gifts. This means that this slideshow must be kept top secret! We don't want the word to get out to Tristan's parents so if you see this and you happen to know them, please keep quiet! :)
Cora is another facebook baby I would stalk, one day hoping someone would let me take her picture. She is absolutely gorgeous! And such a fun little being to be around. T wanted photos downtown so we headed there then to the wonderful Paseo District! I just love that area. Anyway, here she is ladies & gents...the little beauty...Miss Cora Shutt!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

PS-The song on the slideshow is my favorite Christmas song right now...."It Wouldn't Be Christmas" by Jaci Velasquez.
I highly recommend her Christmas album!

Merry Christmas!
Abby

Light A Candle

Light a candle
for the old man who sits staring
out a frosty windowpane

Light a candle
for the woman who is lonely
and every Christmas is the same

For the children who need
more than presents can bring

Light a candle
light the dark
light the world
light a heart or two
light a candle for me
I'll light a candle for you

Light a candle
for the homeless and the hungry
a little shelter from the cold

Light a candle
for the broken and forgotten
may the season warm their souls

Can we open our hearts
to shine through the dark

Light a candle
light the dark
light the world
light a heart or two
light a candle for me
I'll light a candle for you

And in this special time of year
may peace on earth surround us here
and teach us there's a better way to live
and with every flame that burns
we must somehow learn
that love's the greatest gift
that we could ever give

Light a candle
light the dark
light the world
light a heart or two
light a candle for me
I'll light a candle for you.
-Avalon

I've been listening to this song a lot tonight and couldn't help but post the words. I don't typically write a lot of personal stuff on here, but I really felt like sharing a few words about something I've been feeling this holiday season.

First of all, I've YET to buy Christmas gifts. I've hardly had time in-between holiday shoots and temp work to even think about what to buy everyone. I know I want to buy gifts that will benefit, but I'm coming up blank this year.

After hearing this song tonight I couldn't help but stop and think about the true meaning of this season. I'm part of a "mission group" that meets on Wednesdays. We are currently learning what it means to be a community and how we can live out our lives the way Jesus TRULY wants us to together without selfishly interpreting the bible to fit our needs. Anyway, last nights discussion really got me thinking about what it fully means to "sacrifice" my life for the Lord. I got to thinking about Christmas and all that it means for the world of believers. This season represents the best gift of unselfish love, for a world that is hurting and a people who yearn for truth and meaning. It represents every bit of good that one can offer to humanity and in the most non-material way. So why do I, as a believer, drown in the disappointment (mostly caused by myself) when I have yet to find the best "present" for my friends and family? Why do I struggle so much with the fact that consumer America spends more on Christmas crap than we do on giving things that go much further in humanity? How did we ever get so far into gift giving, rather than the sacrifice of ourselves and physically helping others, and of all times at Christmas?

Don't get me wrong. I'm no grinch...I love giving to my friends and family. I'm just deeply convicted this year about the KIND of gifts I give. I mentioned before that I'd like to give gifts that benefit organizations. My first thought is "what can I get that will benefit and in turn be a physical gift I can hand to my people come Christmas day?" But why does it even have to be that way? Why can't I NATURALLY ask myself "What can I give that will benefit humanity?" and end there. I want to give and I want a physical gift. But is God calling me to sacrifice in the sense that I give every non-material part of me to help people who need it way more than any present ever could? And how does He view the time I spend shopping for material items and the money I spend on them? Could I really be sacrificing myself so much more?

Sometimes I wish we just took the time to light a candle for the world. For the widow, for the poor, for the hurting, for the starving. And I wish that would be satisfying enough.

I encourage everyone to listen to this song and think about how you can help a person in need this holiday! And think outside the box...give things that will help and make a much more lasting impression than anything material ever would.

God Bless! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Love, Abby

Dustin, Lindsay & Ethan Ash

I had the honor of shooting holiday photos for the amazing Ash family this season! Lindsay Ash is the sister of my best friend, Hayley, so I've known her about 5 years (almost 6...wow, has it really been almost 6 years since I was a freshman in college?!). Hayley and I were roomies at OBU for a semester so I got to know her family pretty well. Aside from the fact that they are like family to me, Ethan, Hayley's nephew, was born just one week after my nephew, Owen. So I feel our blonde haired, handsome, June baby nephews are just one more common link in our wonderful friendship:) Anyway, I must point out that Lindsay's red coat made these photos "pop" and made editing so simple. I couldn't help but feel the holiday warmth with this family. I hope you do too! And I hope you enjoy their holiday slideshow!:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
-Abby

The McColloughs

Introducing... the wonderful McCollough family! These people are seriously such a sweet family...and their baby Nate, is A DOLL!
(I know, I constantly rave about the babies but it's so hard not to when they are so dang cute!) I've known Jessica since elementary school and Michael since high school. We go way back!:) I was THRILLED when Jessica emailed me about photos. I'd been admiring Nate for quite some time on facebook and was hoping she might notice my work and ask me to shoot some stuff for them!:) Seriously though! I know that might sound creepy, but Nate is just such a cutie that I couldn't help but want to look at the photos they always post. Just check out the slideshow and you will see for yourself!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Hope you enjoy!
-Abby

TOMS Shoes

As a result of my travels abroad, I decided each year around Christmas time I would try and buy items for my family & friends that would help benefit a non-profit organization. Last year I bought Red Campaign items, Jedidiah HOPE Collection shirts, Invisible Children bracelets/shirts & cd's of the children singing in Sierra Leone. Best part was, it helped an organization and everyone loved their gifts! Being in such a material deprived place like Africa can really cause you to check yourself, and being the Christian that I am, this unfortunately has become one of my biggest convictions. As Americans we waste so much money on things that do not make a lasting impression- only short term enjoyment. Why not buy gifts that help humanity and better the world? Everyone is already going to spend the money this holiday season...why not just take the time to look into organizations that provide gifts for families or children in need?

I became aware of TOMS through a friend a little over a year ago. I have two pairs (I'm not a "shoe girl" or I'd probably have more) and I can honestly tell you they are my favorite. They are so incredibly easy to wear and so comfortable! Better yet, if you buy a pair, they give a pair to a child in need. TOMS does shoe drops all over the world, even here in America. I encourage everyone to check them out: www.tomsshoes.com

I was recently interviewed by the local news station, OETA, about my TOMS. A girl I went to high school with saw mine on some of my facebook photos and referred me to a local reporter while they discussed shoes one day. It is so random! But, I wanted to share the link! It was fun but I'm happy I had the chance to publicly show my support for the organization. You can see the interview here: http://wms7.streamhoster.com/saxum/Loabi_OETA_Nov%2022_08.wmv

For anyone in the OKC area: you can find TOMS at Loabi in Yukon, Shoe Gypsy & Blue 7. They even have baby TOMS!
Watch this video for more information on how you can help children in need this Christmas:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqrFG7xrE1I

I encourage everyone to support non-profits that help people! Buy gifts that keep on giving! Help the world in need!:)

Merry shopping!
-Abby

The Forgys

My beautiful friend Celesta and her mom get holiday photos taken each year and, lucky me, she asked if I would photograph them this year! Woohoo! I went to high school with Celesta but it wasn't until the last few years that we've really gotten to know one another. She is such a kind and happy person to be around...a "contagious" type if you will. I have yet to see Celesta angry! She is always so full of life. If you didn't know better, you might think these two are sisters! Both such lovely ladies! Big thanks to Celesta & her mom, Alesia, for such a fun time!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

-Abby

The Smiths

I have been so lucky with photography the last few months and the Smiths are just one example of that! Amber contacted me about photos for her family after seeing the toddler photos I did of Londyn a while ago. I was so excited when she asked me to shoot for her family! We did these downtown at the Myriad Gardens while the leaves were in full, fall mode. Her little ones are just precious! Thanks Amber for the opportunity!:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

-Abby

The Sanders

Introducing...the Sanders!
I first met Pascha & (knew of) Carter whilst at OBU my first two years of college. Through the brilliance of social networking, I've been able to keep in touch with them. I first shot photos of their baby, Gabriel, when he was just a week old! Fortunately, they liked me well enough to ask for a second photo session of the entire fam!:)
Now, I know I go on & on about all the beautiful families I've had the privilege to shoot and how absolutely adorable their children are, but seriously...Gabriel is SOOOOOOOOO cute! This is one baby I cannot get enough of! I tell Pascha all the time that he is the 3rd most beautiful baby I've ever seen (first & second being my nephew & niece of course!) Maybe I shouldn't say such biased things but in all honesty, you will know what I'm talking about as soon as you watch their slideshow! So here they are ladies & gents...the oh so beautiful, Sanders family!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanks for watching!
-Abby

The Pfenningers

Here is the beautiful Pfenninger family! They are good family friends of mine. Aren't they gorgeous? I've known Kristin for so long, she's basically a 3rd sister to me. Kristin & Brian had Story about 2 years ago. She is the cutest thing! I shot photos of her with my nephew Owen that I will post soon that will make your heart melt. But in the mean time, I hope you guys enjoy their slideshow!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

-Abby

fall is my favorite

I shot this photo while photographing my lovely friend Miranda. I was so happy the leaves were turning! FINALLY! It seems like fall is taking its own sweet time here in Oklahoma. The seasons have been so weird this year. It's just now hitting the 50's. I absolutely LOVE fall. I get very nostalgic because it reminds me of my freshman year of college which happened to be my favorite year of college. So every time this season hits, I am reminded of how much fun I had at the tender age of 18. If only like were as simple as it was then!

Also, another reason I love this season is because of this:


I LOVE pumpkin spice cappucino! 7-11 has the BEST & they only carry it during the fall months. In fact, my family loves it so much that my mom asked the people at 7-11 what company they buy from. So, instead of having to wait for the fall, we get it all year long from Superior Coffee!Go getcha some. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

Happy fall ya'll :)
-Abby

History in the Making...4.11.08

Oh, I didn't tell you? This guy has my vote!
(my nephew Owen)

I'm very excited for the election. Now, I'm not a very political person. However, in the past election I voted based off false judgment. This time around, I choose to be educated on issues and fully understand why I will vote for who I choose. Whichever person you think will make the best candidate, I hope that you will at least take the time to read the issues they hope to change. BUT...whatever you do, just VOTE! If there is one thing I gained from going overseas that I could share with everyone today, it would be that voting is a RIGHT and PRIVILEGE that should not be taken for granted. My friends in Africa taught me that I should not take exercising my right for granted because even though it may seem minor in the world, it is something that could easily be taken away. Plus, it's honoring our troops for what they fight for & that is our freedom...and without it, we wouldn't be able to vote:)

SO exercise your right! Get out there and VOTE!!!

God Bless!
-Abby

Our little "Ellie bean"

Last night I did a shoot for a friend of my sister's. However, my sister ended up bringing my niece & nephew out to the shoot so we could get some photos of my nephew, Owen, and the little girl in the family I took photos for. They were TOO cute! I will post them as soon as I get them edited but I just had to share this photo of my beautiful niece, Ellie. She is now 4 months old! It is crazy how fast the time flies. Seems like yesterday I was in Africa & being told I finally had a niece back in the USA. (Yeah, I totally missed out on the birth...not something I am thrilled to talk about much!)
Anyway, I am absolutely in love with this baby! So here she is ladies & gents...the lovely Ellie Cunningham!



PS-For anyone interested, my sister actually makes the hair bows & the tutu skirts that are in style for little babies. You can email her here for any information: beccaccunningham@yahoo.com.

The Baker Family (extended)

I had the fabulous privilege of shooting photos for an old high school friend of mine, Kelsi. She wanted pictures with her nieces & nephew so we went out to the Route 66 park and had a great time! I keep telling her that these babies are some of the MOST BEAUTIFUL little children I have EVER seen! Seriously. And their eyes...all of them!...have beautiful crystal blue eyes. Made is super easy for me on the editing side! Anyway, here are the beauties of the Baker family. Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Carsten

Here is little Carsten! His beautiful mom, Mandi, asked me to shoot photos for her while visiting OKC from Kansas City. Thanks Mandi for the opportunity! We had a lovely time out at Hafer Park in Edmond.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Emma Grace photoshoot

Here is the precious Emma Grace. She is so stinking cute! Enjoy:)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Adventures in OKC

I spent the afternoon in downtown OKC and landed upon some great, authentic places I'd never seen nor heard of before. I've been complaining about this place needing some originality and BOOM, it's all fallen into my lap within a week's span. It was seriously a crappy afternoon turned into a "breath of fresh air". I often feel as though I'm drowning in a place of no creativity or room to breathe because of all the chain restaurants and typical shopping centers. But alas, OKC has not failed me yet. Here I am to spread the word on my new-found loves...

DNA Art & Apparel: think art in all forms possible, mixed with apparel all by local artists. This place is GREAT and the girl Amanda, whom I met today, is part owner alongside her hubby. All I could say was "this is so cool!" about every little thing imagineable. They have buttons, stickers, canvas art, art on wood pieces, art on skateboards, art on clothing and even feature out of town artists. I would post their site but I looked and couldn't find it. It's located in the Plaza District, which is a whole new experience in itself. Basically, if you want art & you want cool, original and one-of-a-kind clothing, this is your place!

Collected Thread: located beside DNA Art & Apparel, this is a unique little shop filled with ALL handmade items. From purses to scarves, to neck warmers, earrings, necklaces, JOURNALS!, vintage stationary, clothing and small art pieces by locals as well. I fell in love immediately. It is the perfect place to buy gifts. I mean seriously, handmade coin purses, bookshelves, EVERYTHING! It's a sweet little handmade haven. Again, I would list the site but they don't have one...however, they are on myspace!

Coffee Slingers: Apparently this place has been open for 6 months now. How in the world did I, as a coffee connoisseur, not know this place existed until now?! It's located at the corner of 9th & Broadway and sits in the area that is progressing in OKC. It's clean, it's original, it's simple. They sell local artists prints, it's vintage and it's a quiet nook, perfect for a rainy day or a much needed coffee break/relaxing time to read. There aren't too many choices, but that's the point. The service was tremendous and the music in the background was just as great! check em out: www.coffeeslingers.com

Tree & Leaf Clothing: Okay, I have to admit that today was not my first day to stumble upon these awesome guys. In fact, this little store has become quite the hero for my wardrobe life. I'm slightly obsessed with their designs and it's all on American Apparel shirts. I mean, what could be better than a combo of originality + American Apparel? I'm almost certain, that when it comes to clothing, the answer is nothing. Not only do they produce their own screen prints, they sell clothing made by other local artists as well. Yep, it's completely legit. Check em out as well : www.treeandleafclothing.com

Alright folks, that's all I got. Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned and check out these awesome places while you're at it!

Ciao!
-Abby

PS--my new email address is abby@abbycoyle.com

Londyn

I had the opportunity to shoot photos of one of the cutest little girls you will ever see! Londyn is just two years old and is absolutely precious. Most of the time shooting children is a difficult task because of the attention span (or lack thereof!). Of course you can't ask too much of a 2-year-old who wants to do nothing but play:) Luckily, this shoot was a breeze. Londyn is just too cute for words so these photos turned out great. A big thanks to her beautiful mom, Melissa, for asking me to do these! Here are some photos from the shoot...