Life In Motion Photography bio picture
  • life in motion, join the chaos….

    Welcome to my blog, thanks for stoppin’ by! My name is Lyndsay Stradtner and I'm a professional photographer in Austin, Texas.  Those funny people over there to the right are the greatest joy I have ever known, my husband, Jason, and our children, Ty, Taryn & Teagan.  With 3 children our lives are filled with laughter and chaos, and I wouldn't have it any other way!  This blog is a big mix of my personal and professional work. Over the years I have had people ask me why I have combined my personal and business blog into one….and the answer for me is simple. It’s me. I’m a big believer that if you share who you are with people, that it will bless you in ways that you never imagined.  That is what my blog has done for me! I also believe that my personal work and the images I capture for other families co-exist. One relies on the other and vice versa as I grow as an artist. So, this blog, is very, very.....well....me, all over the place, busy, creative and real.  I have the best job in the world.  I get to hang out with great people, big and small, play, have fun and do what I love.  I think it's an honor to get a glimpse of other people, to see how they live and love and to capture the real and meaningful little details of life.  I hope you'll stick around and get to know us, and the wonderful families I get to photograph.  Feel free to jump right in and join the chaos!

kerri | austin family photographer

Ty and I loaded up Teagan and headed in to Austin this morning for his birthday session with Kerri Mathis.  I’ve been battling a cold for the better part of the week and finally feel a bit better when I got up today, so happy about that.  It’s a good thing too because it was cold this morning (well, cold for Texas standards – northerners stop rolling your eyes!).  Teagan did so great with Kerri and I am excited to see what she got.  I tried to step back and let them do their thing (that’s so hard to do!).  Kerri’s little guy was there too and I distracted myself with hanging out with him and Ty.  Is he cute or what?!

He and Ty got along so great.  In fact, on the way home in the car Ty said “Maaahmmm!  Can you believe he’s 4!?  He’s Taryn’s age but he actually listens when you talk to him?!”  Ha!  Kerri asked me to take a few shots of her and her little man together as she doesn’t have any.  That made me so sad, every momma needs photos with her baby (even if that baby isn’t a baby anymore!).   I was more than happy to oblige!!  I love the way a 4 year old just fits right there on the hip and right where the hand falls….it feels so natural to hug a little one right there.  I love capturing that.  Kerri, I hope you like these and thanks for making the trip up to capture my (2 year old) little man!

Kerri Mathis - Lyndsay – I can’t even tell you how much I love these. I’m going to cherish these forever! We had a great time today with you guys – Jack is still mad Ty had to go home with you and not him! Thank you again for these wonderful images of us!February 7, 2010 – 6:03 pm

Kim - These are beautiful! The one of Kerri & Jack is breathtaking!February 7, 2010 – 6:17 pm

Rebecca Rodriguez - How precious!! Love that one of Kerri and Jack. Love it!February 7, 2010 – 6:40 pm

Jen Williams - I adore that last one of Kerri and Jack. What a sweet moment. That will be one they both can treasure forever.February 7, 2010 – 6:46 pm

Scarlett - Such adorable shots of you two Kerri! beautiful job Lyndsay:)February 7, 2010 – 7:07 pm

Carrie Davis - These are so, so great! Kerri is awesome – and so are you!February 7, 2010 – 8:35 pm

Jessica Wright - I love these, that last one of Kerri and Jack is just PERFECT!February 7, 2010 – 9:16 pm

Jenny Miller - wow the last one is so good, love the two of them together!February 7, 2010 – 9:32 pm

becky - So cute. Love that last one of Kerri and Jack!February 8, 2010 – 4:48 am

a photography tip, flat taryn | austin child photographer

My kids have PCS (photographer child syndrome).  Bad.  It’s much harder to get shots of them because they know my tricks.  They know the game and many days, they just don’t want to play.  I have to be on my toes a lot, and I know many photographers and moms know the feeling.  But guess what?  PCS, it’s not just for photographers kids, its for their friends too.  Tis true.  Exhibit A:  Lily, Taryn’s BFF.  I first photographed her at 18 months old and since then, well, she’s kind of gotten over me and my camera shanigans.  My old die hard tricks don’t even crack the surface.  And with their family session coming up soon, I wracked my brain thinking of ways to capture her.  This was to be a fun, big family session for our dear friends as Jack is at that prime time fave age of 6 months, chubby, happy, (fairly) immobile.  6 month olds rock because they are in that last phase before they can get away from me and separate anxiety hasn’t quite hit yet.  I knew I could get Jack, he likes me and loves the camera.  But Lil would give me a run for my money.  So….thought process….what does Lil love?  What makes her laugh?  Easy, Taryn.  No, not bringing Taryn, that would be bad and distracting.  What’s the next best thing?

Enter Flat Taryn.

You’ve heard of Flat Stanley right?  Yup, same concept.  So I taped a photo of Taryn’s head to a big popsicle stick.   Huge hit.  Lily loved Flat Taryn, carried her all around.  I would hold my camera and shoot with one hand and hold Flat Taryn in the other.  I’d hold it so that she was inbetween my face and the camera and then pop her up to peek at Lily, opening up my view through the viewfinder and she’d look and laugh.  Sometimes Taryn would “talk” to her or make funny noises.  Worked like a charm since when Taryn was raised, I could see through the viewfinder and she was just above the line of my lens and it looks like Lily was looking and smiling right at me….see:

Bwahahaha….got her!  And photogs, if you ask what your clients are “into” right now, favorite character, etc., you could easily put elmo, diego, a princess or buzz on a stick!  Cheap and easy trick to have in your back pocket!!

Now, a certain chubby, fun loving little 6 month old, he was a bit weirded out by Flat Taryn.  He liked my quacking like a duck noises a lot better….

I don’t blame him, I am a pretty good duck if I do say so myself:)

Jill - Such a great idea! I also run into this issue with my neighbors kids when I photograph them…totally going to try something along these lines for our next session. There are 4 of them between the ages of 5-10 (which also always seems to be a challenge)…we had a ticket hunt on our last session which seemed to keep them entertained.February 7, 2010 – 5:35 pm

Bethany - LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing your tips!!February 7, 2010 – 6:19 pm

Jac L - What a GREAT idea! I’m definitely going to have to try this. My kids never want to look at me and my niece hates to crack a smile for anyone other than Elmo. Thanks for sharing.February 7, 2010 – 6:46 pm

Scarlett - love it, awesome idea!February 7, 2010 – 7:09 pm

kelly klatt - Cute idea-love it! That last shot is beautiful-I’m so jealous of the ‘green’ in the background!!February 7, 2010 – 7:15 pm

Melanie - Love the tip, great idea!!February 7, 2010 – 8:46 pm

Michele (Pinkle Toes) - OMD…that’s brilliant!February 7, 2010 – 11:25 pm

Christi - Thanks for the tip! I can totally see this working for my kids and a few of my regular clients. Even a flat silly face from one of the grandparents would work on my kids!February 8, 2010 – 5:10 pm

-joy - I’m a photographer too and that is such a huge and great hint/trick! thanks for sharing! anytime you want to share any other tricks, as simple as you think they may be, I would LOVE and APPRECIATE any of them.
I always ask my little ones i photograph to find the monkey in the camera and smile for him and maybe he’ll come out. dunno, but it works most of the time. i even have repeat clients ask if my monkey is there. ha.February 9, 2010 – 7:58 am

Fresh Art Photography – St. Louis Newborn, Children, & Family Photography - [...] My friend Lyndsay is brilliant, I knew that. But THIS idea tops it all! Clients, if you have a toddler DO NOT BE SURPRISED when we show up with this idea [...]February 8, 2010 – 5:36 pm

dust

Please pardon the dust and wonky-ness around here for a few days.  There are some things going on behind the scenes and everything should be back to normal soon!

MrsMillerTime - Wonky. Love that word.February 5, 2010 – 4:36 pm

duder | austin toddler photographer

Just me and him, hanging out in his room this morning, reading books.  It was nice to spend a quiet morning with my duder.  The big kids were off school the better part of this week.  I think this is the first shot I have of him in his new room….

dude

Busy weekend ahead, a dusk/night session tonight with Michele for our helping hearts winner, a session downtown with Lily, Jack and their peeps on Saturday, Sunday is Teagan’s session with Kerri Mathis and the Saints Superbowl!  Oh, and that little one up there turns 2 next week, can you believe it!?  Happy Friday!!

MrsMillerTime - Hey, little guy!!!February 5, 2010 – 1:46 pm

Gee Gee - What a big boy! Can’t believe he is already 2! He sure looks like his Daddy in this picture!February 5, 2010 – 7:26 pm

crista - How in the WORLD is he turning two already?!!? It goes by way too fast, but man is he cute!February 5, 2010 – 7:27 pm

Scarlett - How is he TWO?? You JUST had him a second ago, I remmeber his newbie pics like it was a minute ago! Time goes so quick…. gorgeous shot!February 7, 2010 – 7:10 pm

Jennifer - He looks so grown up here!!! Adorable, but older. If he’s anything like my two year old, he’s giving you a marathon RUN for your money EVERY day. Gotta love ‘em.February 8, 2010 – 9:59 pm

10 on Tuesday | austin photographer

1.  Hitting Tuesday just under the wire, it is 11:30 pm here.

2.  I had oral surgery yesterday, again, and I hurt.  Seems like the second day is always worse than the first.

3.  I’m taking the kids to the mall tomorrow.  Wish me luck.  I’m on the hunt for an outfit for Teagan for his birthday pics.  And for once I’m not taking them!  Who-Rah!  Kerri Mathis is coming up from Houston to take them and I’m so excited to meet her!  Anyone care to join me in some blog stalking next week?

4.  My husband, who doesn’t blog, read this blog or leave comments very often, left one here that made me tear up.  It’s really crazy to read so many nice things about yourself in one place like that.  I’ll admit to blushing all the way through it.  Jod & Kim, what you are doing to encourage women, rocks!  ((I still think the mustache pic woulda been funny, just sayin’)). ;)

5.  My mom bought us Sesame Street Live tickets for Teagan’s birthday.  While we haven’t told the little ones yet, I told Ty.  I’m sure you can imagine his excitement when he found out that he’s going too.  Thriiiiiiiilllled, I tell ya.  HA!  It’s the little things that bring me joy in parenting an almost teen.  It’s kind of fun to throw his moody self a curve ball every now and then.   I promised him there would be food there and that helped a little.  Teagan’s gonna love it though.

6.  This one had pajama day at school last week.  She was a little excited about it!

pjs

Probably because this was the 2nd time she showed up in her PJ’s.  Being the slacker mom that I am, I got the day wrong the week before.  At least we had a change of clothes in the car, even if she did protest to the point of kicking and screaming in the parking lot.

7.   We’ve been doing Valentines Day crafts around here.  I need to take a few pics of what we’ve been up to and come share.

8.  Yuck & Muck, I’ll let you decide which is which:

ym

9.  Here is a hint, Muck decided to stick pizza up his nose, not once, but twice today.  You haven’t lived until you’ve retrieved pizza out of an oraface with a q-tip. Twice.

10.  I feel like I’ve been tethered to my computer for weeks.  Isn’t this supposed to be a slow time of year?!  I’m proofing 3 session and a birth right now!  I’m excited to have a weekend full of shooting AND a little old thing called the SUPERBOWL.  Who Dat baby!!!

Kelle - Love the V-Day shirts! Where did you find Teagan’s? PS – how are our babies going to be 2??? Not possible!!February 3, 2010 – 7:09 am

Kerri Mathis - I’m really looking forward to meeting you this weekend! Shall I bring coffee?? :-) February 3, 2010 – 8:23 am

Liza - came over for my T.T. fix and got it.. ahhh.. happy day.. Rodri has the same “Cupid” t-shirt…!February 4, 2010 – 2:30 pm

pretties | austin birth photographer

I’ve mentioned before that I loooove image boxes.  I recently approached Tina Parker of My Lil Creations and asked her if she’d be willing to design some templates that would work well with birth photography….I’m so excited she said yes!  How incredibly gorgeous are THESE?!

(((pssst, Birth Experience Members, be sure to login to the forum for details how you can WIN them!!)))

MrsMillerTime - Oh. Em. Gee. Those are gorgeous!!!February 1, 2010 – 5:49 pm

at home | austin family photographer

Timmy is back!   Going to UT and photographing Timmy and his family with Mack & Sally Brown and having the run of the field was so much fun (for all of us!).  But I wanted to give this family something more.  I spent the afternoon today with them at their home in an effort to capture real, everyday moments of their family.  Casual, fun, just being themselves, doing what they do, loving their boys, running around, exploring dirt and rocks and sticks, going for a walk, sippy cups and hugs.  And I’m so glad I did, it was such a nice way to spend an afternoon.  I didn’t think Timmy could steal my heart any more than he already did.  I was wrong.  Last shots of the day….

cure_for_duchenne

Big belly laughs are the best.  Yeah, it was fun.  If you’d like to know more about how you can help Timmy and find a cure for Duchenne, please read this post.

Gee Gee - He is irresistable! It’s impossible not to smile when you see his happy face!January 31, 2010 – 11:06 pm

M.C. - he makes me smile.February 2, 2010 – 4:31 pm

the birth experience, a guide for the birth photographer | austin birth photographer

THE BIRTH EXPERIENCE – MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN AS OF TODAY.

I am jump up and down excited that it is finally time!  It has been over a year in the making and I can’t wait to get started!!

birthexperience logo

Each membership includes:

You get everything I do, every last step, written out in The Guide.  The Birth Experience Guide is a 35 page document that I spent over a year writing.  It’s packed full of information and images covering topics such as scheduling, pricing, technical aspects, client communication, lighting, equipment, the birth support team, special considerations, emergency situations, the big moment, the baby,  my step by step workflow, presentation, marketing ideas & more!  You’ll also receive a copy of the birth contract I use.

I wanted this program to be more than a guide.  I wanted to offer continued learning.  And a way for birth photographers to connect and learn and share.  Each membership gives you full access to ask me birth related questions until February 1, 2011 on the forum.  Anything that comes up, anything you can think of, I’m all ears, there to help.  I will be on the forum DAILY.  I have committed myself to spending no less than 5 hours per week on the forum answering questions and participating, but it will likely be much more than that.

Additionally, each member will be listed in the Member Directory to aid expecting parents in finding a birth photographer in their area.  I love this part because I get so many emails from expecting parents across the country asking if I know anyone in their area who does birth photography.  Now I can say YES, here is a list!

Who will find this mentoring program the most beneficial?  This program has something for everyone.  The Guide is geared towards those just starting their birth photography business or those who are looking to streamline the process.  Experienced birth photographers will find the forum to be a wonderful resource for networking, support, obtaining marketing ideas and continued learning amongst some of the best birth photographers around.

Please note that only those outside of a 60 mile radius of Austin and the surrounding areas are eligible.  We already have members from across the US, in Canada & Austrailia!

Want to find out more? Look here: Member BenefitsFrequently Asked QuestionsApply for Membership

I would also like to thank my wonderful, supportive and incredibly helpful Charter Members.  They have provided their insight, advice and experiences and I am so thankful for each of them!

  • Emily Weaver Brown in Seattle.  Emily has a lot of experience with birth centers and natural child birth.  She is also very, very knowledgeable on the process and stages of birth.
  • Jodie Allen of Fresh Art Photography in St. Louis.  Jodie  has experience in several areas of birth photography, including being inside the OR for c-sections.  She also has extensive experience in working with organizations that offer newborn bereavement photography services to families.  Jodie brings compassion, knowledge and a side of “tell it like it is” to the table!
  • Lynsey Stone out of Dallas.  Lynsey devotes her entire business to photographing births.  Having photographed over 90 birth experiences, her experience is unparalleled in the industry.

Thank you ladies for all your help over the last few weeks!  You girls rock!!

ETA: The first 20 spots filled up fast this morning after I emailed out the info to those on the waiting list.  I decided to take on 20 to start just to be sure I didn’t get overwhelmed with the process of getting everyone set up.  Good news is that everything is running smoothly with the first group and I am going to keep membership open.  I will process applications as quickly as I can as they come in, please bear with me.  Thanks!

Andrea Lopez - I wish I was ready for this, I wish that I was at the level where I needed it, but I’m not…but will be, hopefully sooner than later and when I’m ready I hope this will still be available. You are inspiring in more ways than you know, you’ve inspired me in more ways than I can even believe, you have made me a better person without even knowing me. That is magical in itself, thank you!January 30, 2010 – 1:36 am

Wendi - Oh crap, I never checked my work email after I left yesterday. I’m off to do it now!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!January 30, 2010 – 6:46 am

bridget - awesome Lynds!!! I think it’s going to be amazing for all who join!January 30, 2010 – 10:20 am

Erin - I dabble/play around with the basics of photography and will probably never even get to amateur status (lol) but this is really cool…I have followed your blog for so long and it’s neat to see how far you have come. Your birth photos are always awesome, what a great way to share your talent:)January 31, 2010 – 11:01 pm

Sarah Wheeler - it sounds fabulous, good luck!February 1, 2010 – 6:20 pm

Scarlett - CONGRATS Lyndsay!! very excited for you:)February 7, 2010 – 7:12 pm

The Birth Experience « Emily Weaver Brown Photography - [...] for you. Likewise, if you are a birth photographer or  interested in becoming one please check out The Birth Experience! I look forward to seeing you [...]January 30, 2010 – 1:48 am

fresh reflections

Have you guys seen what Fresh Art Photography is doing to raise up women?  It started out here.  And then turned in to this.  And I love it.  As women we are so hard on ourselves and it’s always amazing at how other people, especially the ones we love the most, see us differently than we see ourselves.  And as much as I encourage my client and friends and family to get in front of the camera so they can be seen and loved, it is hard for me to follow my own advice.  For a long time I dished out that advice but thought the rule didn’t apply to me.  Nah, I knew it did, I just ignored it.  But I’ve gotten better about it.  Having amazing photographer friends (like Jod and Michele and Sara and Teri) around to photograph me with my family helps a ton.  I know that what my family sees is a wife and mother and the person they love, I know that, but it’s still hard for me to be on the other side of the camera.  But I do it.  So can you.

Anyway, the other night I was messing around with Jodie and submitted this photo for her Fresh Reflections blog….

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For some reason she didn’t want it and ignored my request, can’t imagine why?!?!

Instead she replied, cashed in on a favor I owe her and made me send her a real one.  I’m not sure what I got myself into, I’m a little scared, but you can check it out here.  Thanks Sara for letting us use your photo!!  And thank you to Jodie & Kim for finding the beauty in the women around you.

This reminds me that I never came back and shared all my favorite shots Sara took of my fam before Christmas….I’ll do that this week!

winner | austin couples photographer

Congratulations to Amy F. and her hubby for winning the Helping Hearts romantic photo session with Michele and I! Can you believe that within a week’s time, this movement raised $1,200 for the American Red Cross to help with the recovery effort in Haiti? That is simply incredible.  To make your donations even more valuable, Michele and I have decided that we’re going to match them, so now $2,400 will have been given!

It amazes me that people can jump to action so quickly to help others in need.  But don’t stop giving just because this contest is over. These people will still need our help long after donation drives have ended. Thank you all again for your generosity and, Amy…we’ll see you soon!

It’s a great day to be a Saint!

I can honestly say that I’ve never cried over a football game, so it surprised even me when the field goal kick made it’s way up into the air and the tears came. I am so, so proud of our boys and so happy for our city.   I can remember going to the Saints games as a kid, walking up to the stadium and buying tickets for under $30, only to enter and see a half empty stadium. As a kid, I was excited to be there and cheered for our team.  We experienced a lot of loss through the years yet I’ve always been proud to be a Saints fan. And the Dome, once a sign of desperation, now a sign of celebration. Oh what I would have given to be there tonight!  Both Jase and I will be hoarse tomorrow, without a doubt!   I loved the look in Sean Payton’s eyes tonight, it’s about the game, but also the city, the community and the fans that they’ve selflessly wrapped themselves up in.  After four decades, it’s time!  It’s here!  I hope each and every one of them enjoys every second of their Superbowl experience.  It’s a great day to be a Saint!

Ryan - I Agree! Way to go boys!January 24, 2010 – 9:23 pm

Christi - Wasn’t it awesome??? ! love Brett, but gotta love my Saints more! Miami bound, wooooohooooo!January 25, 2010 – 6:21 am

Lisa - Wasn’t it awesome??? I’ve been to many a game in the “old days.” My parents had season tickets from the time in Tulane Stadium until the early 90s. It’s still stinking in . . .January 25, 2010 – 10:05 am

Marti Smith - It was a great game, indeed. However, I’ll have to be with the other team come Super Bowl! I like the Saints, as long as they aren’t playin’ my Colts! :) January 25, 2010 – 2:26 pm

Ken - My wife and I have followed the Saints only since Katrina, but I don’t think either of us slept last night :) We attended the Redskins vs Saints game at Fedex this year. I think we yelled more at the TV last night than we did at the live game in December.January 25, 2010 – 8:50 pm

Tanja - Gooo Saints… A big fan from Norway here.. and I can`t wait to watch the superbowl with “my” team.. I`m so exited.
TanjaJanuary 26, 2010 – 7:49 am

J - It WAS an awesome game!! Go Saints!! Finish Strong. Bring the Wood!January 26, 2010 – 9:03 pm

Laura - Yes it is!! Who dat, baby!! ;) January 27, 2010 – 7:37 am

eat your heart out | austin baby photographer

IMG_2954cropweb

Teagan’s best bud Jack is about to be on the move and ready to hang with the big kids (Taryn, Lily & Teagan)….it won’t be long now!  The chub, the blue eyes, the faux hawk.  Man I love that kid, he’s just so dreamy.  And doesn’t it seem like yesterday Teagan was all curled up on the heart rug, fresh out of the hospital?!

Also, I have a few spots open in time for Valentines Day, if you’re interested, drop me an email at lstradtner@mac.com!

Jules - he’s the cutest little valentine I’ve seen!January 24, 2010 – 11:23 am

Becky - Very cute photo. Could you please tell me where you found that rug? You are a wonderful photographer. Keep up the awesome work!January 24, 2010 – 12:41 pm

Kate - Ohmygoodness, that’s ADORABLE! his eyes are so blue, too!January 24, 2010 – 2:59 pm

Mandy - I would love to know where you purchased that totally inspiring rug! It sure is gorg! Thanks!January 24, 2010 – 4:21 pm

Tiffany Wolf - Wow! That is the cutest picture ever! Where in the world did you get that adorable rug? You are awesome! SO stinkin’ cute!January 24, 2010 – 10:22 pm

admin - A friend picked it up for me at IKEA right after Teagan was born. I think they still sell them though.January 24, 2010 – 10:35 pm

Sarah - ADORABLE!!January 29, 2010 – 7:20 pm

Becky - Adorable!!! What a cutie.January 31, 2010 – 2:34 pm

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