Anna Zatopek Photography

Ever get the feeling...

2008-07-17T10:46:00.003-06:00

...that you are being watched?

Over a million have signed, but more signatures are needed!

2008-07-07T09:20:00.000-06:00

Children's Portraits (and some mommy, too)

2008-07-01T17:10:00.004-06:00

These are some portraits of one of my favorite families to photograph. Not only are these children beautiful, but they are very sweet and loving to their mommy...something I love to see! The finish was something I developed in Lightroom. Like it? It's antique-y! I think I'll call it Zatopek Antiquey. heh.

Baby!

2008-06-30T11:30:00.004-06:00

You may remember their maternity session a while back from this post.

She was born on Earth Day! She's beautiful!

It's me!

2008-06-28T16:34:00.002-06:00

Hey there! I'm sure I've severely disappointed so many of you by neglecting this blog. I have been very busy working it seems all the time on this, that, or the other thing. Kids and the man consume most of my time. Picture-takin',then post-processing and delivery take up another portion. Research, learning and marketing take up some more. I have to eat, sleep and play some, too. Then there's the poor ol' blog. It's last. I feel sorry for it. I think about it all the time. Really, I do!

So anyway, my point is, this evening I'm slaving away working on the computer trying to ready recent images to show the world, trying to finish up a project for a client, and trying so hard not to be neglectful of the blog and diligent about delivering beautiful pictures and albums to my clients. I'm in the zone, concentrating hard and I look around to my right and what do I see? My littlest finding something to keep herself entertained while I work so hard. I'm sorry, blog, but once again, I must neglect you. I will leave you with these images of what I saw when I turned around and why I have to now stop working...at least until she goes to bed.

Pretty Ladies in Gorgeous Dresses

2008-05-14T10:04:00.008-06:00

I'm so lucky! I had the privilege of photographing lots of lovely ladies in gowns at a beautiful location. Does it get any better? Aren't these ladies beautiful?!

This was a "Princess for a day" shoot organized by Keri Byer of the Austin Fairy Godmother Foundation.

Keri collects formal gowns for girls in need. Going to the prom, getting married, going to a reunion? Go borrow a dress, shoes and jewelry from your local Austin Fairy Godmother! This is a wonderful service she provides! If you have anything to donate, she takes current styles, dresses, shoes, jewelry, make-up, nail polish; anything that makes a girl feel pretty and happy. Contact her to find out how you can help.

Nycia did a beautiful job with everyone's hair. Yvette did wonderful make-up! She was a make-up artist in a past life. The location: Dunvegan Keep. This place is amazing!
The girls all looked gorgeous and I think they felt that way, too!

Debbie & Craig - March 29, 2008 - Corpus Christi

2008-04-12T11:05:00.005-06:00

Ok, finally! Here is the link to my favorites gallery. These are my absolute favorite images from the day. I had to really get them down for the blog. Typically, I pick 10 - 20 favorites from the day, but I just couldn't pick. So, here they all are.

Debbie & Craig, I will be emailing you a link to the rest of the 900 and something photos for your private gallery in the next couple of days. Thank you so much for allowing us to spend the day with you and capture all the love surrounding you!

Happy April 1st!

2008-04-01T10:20:00.000-06:00

Belly!

2008-03-27T15:06:00.009-06:00

This is Mark and Myra. They are just lovely, and both beaming with anticipation! I have made a prediction as to what the gender of the baby will be. Can you guess?

Photographers, check out this website...

2008-03-25T13:22:00.003-06:00

If you haven't already come across this site on the forums or in talking with other photographers, you should know about LensProToGo. It is a lens and camera body rental company. Paul Friedman and his staff are simply wonderful people. The customer service is absolutely outstanding, the prices are very reasonable, and the selection is vast! I am sporadic renter at best, but Paul has always treated me like I am his most important customer. They are an unexpected happy surprise in an otherwise anonymous-take-a-number world. You guys have made my day! Thank you, again!

Suzanne and Philip

2008-03-18T09:49:00.014-06:00

See the slideshow

Their story touches my heart. Not only is it very sweet and romantic, but I can totally relate. Suzanne and Philip met years ago while working together. There were other things going on in their lives at the time so they went their separate ways. Some time later and after many years of life experience for both of them, Philip wrote Suzanne a letter. Six months later, they were engaged. Suzanne has a beautiful daughter with fiery red hair. Together, they make a beautiful new family.

Lots of coincidences have been popping up for me lately. Or maybe I'm just more aware of them. I didn't know Suzanne and Philip's story before I met them the day I photographed their wedding. See, my husband and I share a similar story and as their day unfolded I became more and more astounded at the similarities we share. It just reaffirmed that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

To make a looong story short...Bill and I dated in college for a while and then (due to my selfishness) went our separate ways and had very different lives. I moved to California, he moved back to Houston. I had a baby, he had an auditing job. We met up again after I moved back home to Austin with my daughter. I took a chance and called his brother to find him. To my delightful surprise, he was single and trying to get on with the Austin Fire Department and was planning on moving back. Coincidentally, he had been looking for me, too! The flames reignited, my daughter instantly loved him and we all just came together like three puzzle pieces. We got hitched in 2005 and almost two years ago had a fiery red headed little girl. Is the puzzle complete? I don't know, I think we need a dog. Crazy, eh?

Thank you for the honor of including me in your celebration!
Here's to a long and wonderful marriage, Suzanne and Philip!

Image of the day

2008-02-17T11:53:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure why, but this image makes me want to eat chocolate and take a nap in a down comforter.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T14:43:00.001-06:00

2008-01-26T15:10:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my favorite images from our trip to New Orleans. Yes, it was a while ago and I'm just now getting around to posting them. I'm kind of working backwards. I'll have some more images from another little vacation we took in August to visit my parents. So, stay tuned for those. In the meantime, here is some NOLA for you.

I wish I could remember the name of this band. They were playing at a little bar down the block from our hotel. It's so nice to be able to step out of your "home" and into the streets to the sounds of great music coming from every door. What a wonderful time we had!

This was a wall that we passed by about three or four times a day. Look at the years and years of staples. I bet those staples could tell a story or two.

Horse and horse stop.

Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.

Window of beer.

The windows in New Orleans hold such interesting stories.

Bring on the good stuff!

An old foofie dress in the history museum

Here we are in Lacy's favorite pub. I want to say his name was David, but I'm probably wrong. Lacy, correct me here. Bill, my loving husband is on the right. I'm not sure why these boys are looking at me like that.

Kickin' it with our new BFFs, Lacy and Andy, who incidentally, we met while shooting their wedding a little over a year ago. We love you guys! Thanks for the good times! We'll be back, soon!

Cleaning House

2008-01-20T17:45:00.000-06:00

I have been organizing and cleaning lately. Well, when there is time. I feel like I can't bust out unless the house is uncluttered. and by bust out, I mean really reach my full potential, whatever that may be. My house is a very lived in place. We try to keep it clean and organized, but by the end of the day, just bending down to pick up a cheerio is an ordeal, so sometimes it doesn't get done. Not to mention the piles of filing that I need to do. Also, not to mention the shelves of lovely little boxes that I have purchased to put things in to make my house seem more organized than it really is. So, as the business gets some much needed organization this tax season, so do the shelves in my bedroom and closet. In doing so, I came across some old assignments from my darkroom photography days. It's been fun and disappointing at the same time to look through these. Some of them were really great and I was proud of my 16 year old self. Others were really half-ass, like you could tell I procrastinated until the last minute because I was too busy listening to the Smiths and brooding over how lame it was that I had to wake up and go to school at all. Ah yoot. It's wasted on the young, no? I think so. Anyway these were some that I was proud of. The rest you don't get to see. ;)

Lake Travis, a boat and a beautiful family

2008-01-04T10:04:00.000-06:00

Look at these gorgeous people!

Super Catch - Up Time

2008-01-03T13:26:00.000-06:00

I am posting a bunch today. This is The Duncan Family: slideshow and see the pics below. This was "a day in the life..." sort of session. I photographed the kids getting up, eating, and going out to play. It was a ton of fun!

Stay tuned, more posts to come...

I need to post more

2007-12-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

I know. I'm not slacking, though! I'm busy! For realsies. I will be making a resolution this year to post at least once a week. Promise!

For now, I want to talk about the lovely people at KISS Wedding Books. I've ordered a few albums from them lately and they are just the bees knees. These folks know how to run a business. I don't think anyone can beat the quality, turn around time or customer service. I love you guys. You make me and my customers very happy. I just know you guys are going to need more help with all the business you're gonna get.

I intend to post lots of pictures very soon (I'm way behind, I am sorry!). In the meantime, a very Happy New Year to you!

Hugs!

Image of the day

2007-10-30T08:30:00.001-06:00

Today's image is of my littlest. I just had to share this one because of the colors. Have a very nice day!

Brandi and Daniel's Wedding

2007-10-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Brandi and Daniel's wedding was absolutely beautiful. These two could not be more perfect for each other. It's obvious how in love they are! At the end of it all after their spectacular sparkling exit, Bill and I felt so honored to have had the chance to spend the day with you and the people who love you most. We wish you happiness and love!

Check out their slideshows, too:

Engagement Session
Wedding Day
Wedding Album

A Fall Sale!

2007-10-22T12:34:00.000-06:00

Announcing: A Fall Sale! The first five people to contact me and book a wedding, special event, or portrait session by October 31, 2007 get a free print ready CD of all of your session images. These files will print as large as a 5 x 7 - great for scrapbooking or desk prints!
Contact me to book your session today!

Did you know???

2007-10-10T09:56:00.000-06:00

I am changing my packages and pricing structure. You'll love it! Simplicity is good.

Stay tuned, but here's a teaser...four hours of wedding photography that includes a beautiful coffee table book is only $1500 US dollars!

There will also be a contest coming up to win a super great and valuable thing! Check back tomorrow for details.

squeeze!

2007-10-08T10:56:00.000-06:00

Finally posting some of Brandi's bridal session.
I had a great time at Brandi and Daniel's wedding and am currently editing those images. Look for them, soon.
In the meantime, take a gander at this gorgeous doll!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-08T08:51:00.000-06:00

Help to find a cure! If you're a jewelry maker or even if you're not, slip these babies on a chain and go! Click here 100% of the sale goes to research! Awesome.

Brides, another nifty slideshow

2007-09-25T20:21:00.001-06:00

I love this!!!

2007-09-17T20:43:00.001-06:00

This is a cool slideshow put together by a neato new application called ANIMOTO. I'm addicted! Click play to view the slideshow. Turn up your speakers! It's fun! Good times!

Announcing the Fall Portrait Parties!

2007-09-16T13:51:00.001-06:00

It's that time again! I will be announcing dates, times and locations for the Fall Portrait Party Days (formerly referred to as Pronto Portrait Sessions). I will be hosting two Portrait Parties in October - One in Austin and one in San Diego! That's right, start planning for it and check the blog often! As soon as the dates are scheduled, I'll post them here!

The first three sessions booked will receive a free CD of their session images!

Ballet Austin

2007-09-14T11:05:00.000-06:00

I was asked to be the official photographer of the Grand Opening of the Butler Dance Education Center. I was extremely honored to be a part of such an exciting event. There was so much energy and excitement in the air. There was food, drinks, activities for the kiddos including a wire sculpture art table provided by Umlauf Sculpture Garden and a dance video game. There was a dance party going on in one studio. In the other studios, people were taking ballet, tap, hula, yoga, pilates and many other classes. Later in the evening Rhythm Congress played some great live music. People were everywhere watching, dancing and having a good time. It was great fun and I'm so thankful that I was invited to be a part of it! Here are a few of the pictures from the day. You can also view the entire day on my website under the FEATURED gallery. www.annazatopek.com.

Introducing Brandi and Daniel

2007-08-25T09:59:00.001-06:00

Two of the nicest people, they are so in love and can't wait to be married. I spent an afternoon with them last weekend at the restaurant where their friends set them up. Apparently the match was a success, because they are joining their lives together next month. They are truly a sweet sweet couple. I will be taking Brandi's bridal portraits next week. Stay tuned!

What, me? Posting?

2007-08-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hi. It's been a while. I've been busy vacationing, getting our seven-year-old ready for second grade, visiting my "heart patient" father in the hospital (he's cured, now), taking pictures and editing like crazy. I have so much to share! Let's begin with the next post.

One more image for today...

2007-08-02T08:29:00.000-06:00

This is another sandwiched one. I've been having fun (a little too much) playing with this technique.

Vacation!!!

2007-08-02T08:24:00.001-06:00

Starting Friday, August 3rd I am on vacation! I will return on Monday the 13th. I will periodically be checking email and voice mail, so if you need to reach me you still can! (Just not as easily.) I need a break! I'll be playing in the Highland Lakes and tasting Hill Country wines. There will be pictures and a full report when I return.

Images of the day

2007-08-02T07:29:00.000-06:00

Peekaboo Evie

Sunrise on Lake Buchanan. It's rare for me to see sunrise. It's a beautiful time of the day and special when viewed in all its glory. But, I especially appreciate a great sunrise while my head is still on the pillow. This particular morning, I got a bug up my butt and felt like taking a sunrise walk. That probably won't happen again for another decade or so.

This is the most obnoxious Hibiscus I've ever seen. The plant resides on my front porch and every week or so puts out a huge bloom aproximately 10 inches in diameter. It lasts for about 24 hours and then the bloom closes up and plops down to the ground and disappears never to be seen again. I'm still trying to figure out where the expired bloom goes. It's freaky.

We've been Simpsonized

2007-07-28T09:53:00.000-06:00

www.simpsonizeme.com. it's lot's of fun.

Image of the day...

2007-07-24T22:14:00.001-06:00

I love doggies.

Another wedding album...

2007-07-23T08:56:00.000-06:00

Here is a slideshow of an album I'm currently working on. This one will be bound in Hazelnut linen and moss ribbon. Exquisite! Click the picture and enjoy!

Image of the day...

2007-07-21T11:22:00.001-06:00

A while back, I posted some images similar to these that I had been working on and I said that I would talk about the process to acheive this look. It is so easy and fun! Do try at home! This is for photoshop users..any version.

First, go out and shoot something with texture, like your driveway, sidewalk, fence, an old sign, anything. Be as creative as you can. It becomes addictive to shoot textures. You can also get some already shot ones by searching for them on the web. Just search for textures. Lots of sites come up.

Next, open the image you want to modify. When you have both images open, select the texture image and select the move tool. Move it onto your photo and make sure the texture layer is on top. Now, on the layers palette, select hard light from the drop down menu and adjust the opacity to achieve the desired effect and you're done! There are many more ways of tweaking this technique so play around and don't be scared. You can always undo or close without saving.

Have fun and play!

GodMamma!

2007-07-16T11:39:00.000-06:00

I had the priviledge of photographing a wonderful group of people this past weekend. Katherin is Godmother to Isa (who is going off to college) and Jason (who is just beginning to talk!) Jason and his mom are quite close and their bond is evident. Jason was adopted by his mom a short time ago. After a great adventure in Russia, Katherin helped his mom bring him home. They are obviously meant to be together! Matt is Katherin's love and they share three doggies and two birds. Their home is full of fun and love. I had such a great time with all of you this weekend!
Here are just a few favorites from the shoot.

More album pictures

2007-07-13T11:49:00.000-06:00

By special request, I am posting some more pictures of the super duper fantasmo KISS album.

Please excuse the construction

2007-07-13T10:56:00.000-06:00

I'm "pimping" the blog and changes are saved as I go along, so if you happen to visit and it looks wrong here, be sure to check back as I am meticulously making sure that everything lines up and looks perfect!

I've been KISSed!

2007-07-12T13:02:00.000-06:00

The lovely mail lady came to my door today and handed me a box with this on it...

Look, ma. No gutters! The page is mounted across the seam so that the whole panoramic page can be seen without cutting! It's gorgeous!

Holy macaroni...My breath has been taken! I shall show you my latest beauty...the KISS album. I could smell the leather through box! Amazing feel, texture, printing, binding, workmanship and customer service! It's so simple, sweet and luxurious! Thanks, you guys at KISS. You're my new best friends!

Grrrrrr

2007-07-10T11:30:00.000-06:00

I'm sure the postal carrier will come around later this afternoon to hand deliver packages. BUT, i opened my mailbox, shuffled through all the paper mail and found...voila!...a key to the BIG box! Imagine my excitement! OH JOY! I turn the key and there is a package! It's too small, but there is a package...Lo and behold it's a birthday package for my husband. DANG IT and D'OH!

The suspense is still killing me.

The anticipation is killing me!

2007-07-10T11:07:00.000-06:00

The usps says I should be getting my first KISS today. I am off to check the mail! Wish me luck!

Lake Buchanan

2007-07-03T08:52:00.000-06:00

Sample a KISS

2007-06-19T12:57:00.001-06:00

See my first KISS. It is on order, and now I eagerly await the hotness that is a KISS album.

Happy Father's Day!

2007-06-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

I know it's late, and I'm sorry! I really am! I was super busy this week and this is the first day I had to work on this!!! I've been thinking about it for a long time, does that count? I hope you can forgive me!
I hope all of you dads out there had a wonderful day yesterday.
Click the picture above to see a slideshow that I lovingly created. It's for all of the wonderful fathers that I have had the priviledge of photographing, those who have my admiration, and let's not forget the one I married! You're all super handsome!
I love you, DAD!

Calling all proofreaders! June has only 30 days.

2007-06-13T07:37:00.000-06:00

I need someone to check my spelling and proofreading before I let any product, promotional materials or emails go out of my office! I will pay you in coffee and chocolate. June has only 30 days in case anyone caught that in my email newsletter. Sheesh. I need a vacation.

Let's make it July 1st for the extension of the slideshow DVD sale. How about it!

In addition to so many other things going on, I sat at my computer all day yesterday making sure things went smoothly during the website transition. I am out of town again twice this week, so I'm hoping that everything continues to run smoothly in my absence. If it doesn't, I am sure the world won't end, so that's comforting. Those of you with slideshows, please let me know if you can't see them or if they are not working properly. I will do everything in my power to correct any problems. All that being said, I am proud of my new site and welcome any comments, feedback, suggestions, flying tomatoes, eggs, biscuit dough, etc.

On to different things...

I don't know about you, but I like to see photos when I visit other people's blogs. This blog has become rather wordy lately. For shame!
Here are some things I've been working on lately...

2007-06-12T10:54:00.000-06:00

Check out me and my bad self! I'm featured! Weeee! Click here to see my interview.

Also, click here to see the new and improved website!

The hosting has been transfered and my new website has launched! They tell me that complete transfer from the server should be complete in a few hours. So, if you're still seeing my old site, that's why.

Website changes

2007-06-11T16:51:00.000-06:00

Ok, my new website is just about ready to go live, but I have to change my domain host which may disrupt any website and email settings that I currently have for annazatopek.com. Hopefully everything will go smoothly, but in case it does not, you can always reach me via my narinajake at yahoo dot com or narina at gmail dot com addresses (my personal non-business emails).
Wish me luck, here goes...cross your fingers that nothing blows up!

Almost LIVE!

2007-06-09T18:43:00.000-06:00

If you have been reading my blog, you know that I have been working hard or hardly working on a new website for Anna Zatopek Photography. Either way, I am so excited to announce that I have done all I can for now and will launch in the next couple of days (host willing). Cross your fingers that everything runs smoothly and keep checking back here and at www.annazatopek.com for the new site. It's BROWN! eeeee!

boy

2007-06-07T05:44:00.000-06:00

This is Adrian. What a sweetie and such a good sport. We took him to Barton Springs Pool to play. On the way he fell asleep. His mommy picked him up and he nestled into her shoulder half asleep the whole walk down the meandering path to the pool. Once there, he was so enchanted with the water that he perked right up and started playing in it. He endured three changes of clothes and a big honkin' camera right in his face the entire time with such patience and tolerance. He didn't care! All he wanted was to splash and play in the springs. What a wonderful time we had! By the way, (in case you're wondering) his mommy, daddy and sister are all just as beautiful as he is!

I won!

2007-05-31T20:50:00.000-06:00

I never win. However, I finally won something I really truly desire. A FREE album sample! Whooop! Finally, it's me! ME! I won a sample album with the new album company I am using! Yay yay and yay! It's a KISS album and it's super spectacular! I can't wait! I'm in the midst of designing a tremendous album that will be the envy of... well, me. After that, I will just probably keel over and die of excitement because I won't be able to wait for it to come in the mail. Life's little joys keep a body going. Oh mail, will you ever deliver that thing for which I long...my first KISS?

Island Rhythms Hula Company

2007-05-20T10:26:00.001-06:00

If you don't wish you were in Hawaii right now, you will after this...

Click on the picture:

I'm still here!

2007-05-20T07:24:00.001-06:00

Just plugging away on the new website! I'm so excited! I can't wait to show you! Stay tuned...

Comments

2007-05-16T06:58:00.000-06:00

It was brought to my attention that comments could not be left on my blog unless you were a registered user. MY BAD! So sorry if that was frustrating. Here I am asking you to comment on my website/blog and I restrict you from doing so. I have fixed it and now you may comment away! Go ahead, let me have it!!!

Have a nice day! :0)

Here I am...

2007-05-13T14:17:00.000-06:00

Hey kids! It's Mother's Day and even though I told myself I wouldn't work today, here I am...working. I just can't help it! I love what I do. Specifically, I am working on a new website. While mine has served as an online placeholder for my business the last two years, it is lacking in something...many things. It lacks oomph, pizzazz! In my quest to moxify my web presence I am asking you, my kind readers, to help me carry out this task.
I would like to know what you would like to see more of on my site and blog for that matter. What would beef it up, make it more jazzy, what would make you want to stick around for a while? What would make you want to pass the site around to people you know? What could I do to better tell you who I am and why? Do you even want to know this? Any and all are welcome to comment here and let me know what kicks booty or what leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth, like yesterday's left out queso.
Let 'er rip, y'all!

Have you seen this, yet?

2007-05-12T18:56:00.000-06:00

It's Mother's Day tomorrow! I expect breakfast in bed!

Mahalo!

2007-05-12T16:38:00.000-06:00

I think that means "thank you." I hope it does, because I had such a wonderful time this morning with these beautiful women. I photographed Island Rhythms Hula Company and let me tell you, they were beautiful! And so patient with me. I kept trying to contort them into impossible positions, precariously perch them on rocks and ask them to dance. These ladies have such poise, grace and beauty and they were so willing to go along with me and my crazy ideas. It was truly an honor to be your photographer! I'm sorry, girls, but I have to say it...eye candy to follow!!!

Here are just a few pictures from the session. I'll post a slideshow once they're all edited.

Aloha!

2007-05-11T08:25:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I get to spend my morning with five beautiful Hula dancers! I can't wait!

Announcing!!! A Wedding Sale!

2007-05-08T13:23:00.000-06:00

Through June 30th...book your wedding date and receive $250 off any package including basic coverage! Contact me for details and to reserve your date! First three peeps to book a wedding with me receive a free Slideshow DVD in addition to the sale! What a bargain!

For all of you beautiful moms out there!

2007-05-07T11:38:00.000-06:00

I have photographed a lot of beautiful women and some of them happen to be mothers. In honor of their beauty, strength and the special day coming up, this slideshow is a tribute to them and all the love they give their families.
I declare it MOTHER's WEEK!
I love you, mom and moms-in-law!

Stay tuned...

2007-05-06T11:27:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I will post a tribute to all of the beautiful mothers I know and love.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2007-05-05T09:17:00.000-06:00

Mother's Day is May 13th!

2007-05-02T07:22:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love your mom? Isn't she the best? My mom taught me how to sew, how to make chicken salad and best of all, how to be a good mother. The day to honor her is coming soon!

Pink and Blue

2007-04-25T13:10:00.000-06:00

Couldn't resist sharing some family photographs.

Slideshows on DVD Introductory Rates!

2007-04-22T10:06:00.000-06:00

Slideshows are now available on DVD! Grab a copy today at the introductory price of $150 for the first one and $79 for duplicates! You can even download it into your iPod! These prices are good until May 31, 2007!

Slideshows on DVD!

2007-04-18T14:05:00.000-06:00

It is with great excitement that I announce my newest product offering... drumroll, please....

Your photo slideshow on DVD!
Many of you have been asking for a hard copy of your slideshows so that you can play them on your DVD players. In the past it was only available online as a web slideshow. While the slideshows will remain online indefinitely, you also now have the option of purchasing a copy for yourselves and loved ones!

The first copy is $250, duplicates are $99. You can also purchase an MP4 download for your ipod for $199!

I am in the middle of updating all the slideshows to include the ordering function. If you don't see the button on your slideshow it's because it's not updated, yet. Your slideshows will all updated by the end of today!

Web slideshows are always complimentary with a portrait session or wedding and from now on will feature a way to order a DVD copy! At last!

I am so ashamed!

2007-04-06T17:04:00.000-06:00

I started this blog to announce news and daily thoughts and look at this...over a month since my last post. Shameful! Oh, the embarrassment! I will really try hard not to let that happen again, as I have so much to share!

It's been a whirlwind month with two sick kids, a sick me and a super full schedule including a trip to SoCal to shoot BEACH portraits! Yay and Wow! But, now it is time to breathe. The kids are still sick, but we march on. AND, I finally got my hair done today! I haven't done that since before the baby was born!

Ok, first things first: the loveliest of families have asked me to photograph them and I am so honored. This month has been filled with new faces and an abundance of happiness. I am so glad to have met you all! I just love what I do! You all know who you are, and your love for each other flows from the pictures out into the world. Thank you for briefly letting me into your lives to capture your joyful little moments. Here are a few pictures from this month. If you click on them, a slideshow will open! Just click the back button in your browser to get back to the post and the next slideshow.

Thanks for dropping by and I promise to post more soon!

It sure is nice outside...

2007-02-25T09:24:00.000-06:00

I look out at the crystal blue sky and yearn to go play! But, as I'm sure a lot of you out there can relate, it is cold and flu season and half of my family has it bad including me. (Thus the neglect of the blog.) Well, I hope to get back in the swing of things soon.

In the mean time, I've caught up on some video games and some reading. Oh, and I managed to create a promo poster for a super great band based in San Diego, CA. Compass Rose is their name and they are the rockinest bunch of hippies around. They'll be coming this way for SXSW on March 16th at the Irie Bean Cafe on South Lamar. I can't wait!!!

I have also developed a super-technical highly effective flash diffuser, the idea of which I am SURE I will be able to sell to the big camera manufacturers. Please do try this at home! Introducing the Toilet Paper Bounce Flash! When moments won't wait for you to light correctly, simply take a square of toilet paper, hold it in the palm of your hand at a 45 degree angle from your flash so that the light bounces up instead of foward and viola! a beautifully lit professional shot of your gorgeous baby in the bathtub!

More tips to come as the mother of invention dictates!

Pronto Portrait Session Dates

2007-02-19T14:55:00.000-06:00

March 24th & 25th in North San Diego County!

Now scheduling Pronto Portrait Package Sessions for March 24th & 25th. Sessions are $175 and include 30 minutes, 30 pictures, a CD of your images, online hosing and ordering interface and a web slideshow! Contact the studio to reserve your time slot. Space is limited!
The Pronto Portrait Package is perfect for families who don't have a lot of time to have their portraits made. These are fun, relaxed, informal sessions on the beach or at a park. You get 30 minutes with a professional photographer following you around while you spend quality time with the ones you love! What could be better?

Pronto Portrait Sessions in San Diego!

2007-02-18T12:35:00.000-06:00

Stay tuned for details on location, dates and times!

Announcing the Pronto Portrait Package and free Digital Negatives!

2007-02-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

March 10th - Sunchase Park between Mackenzie and Tierra Blanco.

$175 session fee includes:
30 minutes
30 pictures
CD of high resolution images
Online hosting
Slideshow

It's hard to find time to fit in a portrait session with everything else going on! We're busy parents, too. But, we always find time to fit in quality time with our kids and loved ones. Why not spend some quality time with your family AND have us document it? Sessions include 30 minutes of time hanging out with you at a kid friendly park setting. Meet us at the park and I'll follow you around documenting the fun! Only six sessions will be scheduled, so contact the studio ASAP to book your timeslot. The first three sessions booked will recieve $25 off their session fee.

Of course a regular portrait session can also be scheduled at a location of your choosing for as much time as you want. $250 includes unlimited images, online hosting, slideshow and CD and two matted 5 x 7 prints.

March Portrait Session special: CDs (high resolution digital negatives) will be offered with all portrait session packages booked in March.

The Held Family

2007-02-16T09:29:00.000-06:00

In honor of the first ever Anna Zatopek Photography blog post, I'd like to share a very special slideshow. This is my best girlfriend and her family. I got to photograph them this past weekend during their visit to Austin. I miss them so and wish they lived next door, but at least I got to spend some quality time with her baby boy for the first time ever. He was a bit wary of the camera until I showed him how to release the shutter and then he'd clap for joy! He kept running up to me and looking right into the camera and saying "DAT!" That meant he wanted to do it again. Such a sweetie and so precious. I miss them already!

View it here.