Drake Design Photography

Jennifer Turns 30!!

2010-10-24T23:39:00.002-05:00

In just a few short hours we will continue to celebrate the birthday of my sweet daughter, Jennifer. I can not believe it has been 30 years. What an amazing precious time we have enjoyed together.
Jennifer,I cried on your 4th birthday because you were already so grown up! You were in charge and determined. It has served you well. I am so honored to call you mine. Everyone that truly knows you, loves you. So many depend on you in so many ways. I know it is a tremendous pressure, but you always deliver your best.
The last 10 days have been so scary for Phillip's health and recovery. The responsibility of our studio with a very important event out of town, your children, along with the normal studio activity, has been more than most could ever endure. You have held on and tried so hard to keep up with all the responsibilities.
I am so blessed to have you working with me. I love how you and Abby have become sisters. It is exciting to watch you and Abby teach Venessa about all the crazy duties in our daily life.
Thank you for the most precious, well behaved, sweet, wonderful grandsons any grandmother could ask for!
God allows us to work together, and I cherish that privilege. Thank you sweet daughter.
The party was wonderful on Saturday night with all our closest friends and family. I loved all the emails and calls from the ones who could not attend. We know you are in their hearts.
Your Daddy and I love you with all our hearts.
Thank you for your first 30 exciting years.
We look forward to all the joy to come!
Love,
Mom

GOD IS SO GOOD!!

2010-10-14T23:56:00.003-05:00

God blessed me with a beautiful daughter and precious son. Steve brought a very special little girl with him to our marriage. I love her as my own. Then I prayed for the perfect mate for each of them. God answered that prayer in such a powerful way.

Walking into the Covenant ER Trauma room last night and seeing my amazing son in law, Phillip on that stretcher was so difficult. It is the sight you hope you never see. My years in the nursing field did not prepare me. He looked as if he lost a fight. But, of course he would say, you should have seen the other guy!!

My heart aches for his sweet parents in Louisiana. So hard to call them and explain the accident.

Bicycles can go so very fast and stop abruptly. He knows this fact firsthand. Our praises are that he is mending nicely, no surgery, remembers everything. Even, what a nice Mother in law he has! Well, anyway, he is doing great. Time will heal, he will be up and going again very soon. Praise the Lord!!

Thank you, to all of our very dear family and friends. Your prayers covered him, and we know that is what will get him through this time. He has had excellent care from all the physicians. The hospital staff is the best! Thank you for all you have done.

I love this young man so much. Please continue to pray for his healing.

Game Day

2010-09-13T09:17:00.000-05:00

Kathy Drake Dabbs is in the Circle of Red!!

2010-04-25T18:19:00.001-05:00

What a privilege to be involved!

It was exciting to see a table with my name! A definite first for me!

Last year, Sharon Ivory asked me to help with the Go Red for Women event and be involved as a Circle of Red contributor. The privilege of helping Sharon with a project is a joy and always rewarding. I am reaching an age that makes me more aware of my health. Clearly due to the fact that I can not work the way I did a few years ago, and I am not that old!!! I do want to help support the efforts of these wonderful women and the information about our heart health and the dangers women confront. It is very evident that the stress and work load on women is taking its toll. More women than men die from heart disease . Heart disease is a much greater threat to our health than any other condition. The statistics are staggering. So, I am pleased to report that I am in a wonderful Circle of Red that cares and supports the educational efforts of Go Red for Women.

drake Vol. 2 Weddings!

2010-04-13T17:39:00.003-05:00

Lubbock!! Spring!! Here comes the Wind!! Not the day for an outdoor session!

2010-03-27T12:38:00.001-05:00

I try to always be optimistic but it is so hard when the wind along with all the dirt makes you want to hide under the covers all day!!
I worked late last night at the studio. No comments please from those who know I do this too much!
But I stayed much later than planned because I could hear the wind and kept hoping it would calm down just a little so I could get back to the house! It did not give any signs of stopping so I stepped out and I knew it was bad when I could see the dirt blowing in the glow of the street lights!
With a little grit in the eyes, I made it home.
My plan is to hide from it today and pretend it just does not exist!!
I will gaze upon all the images I have taken this week and enjoy that view instead!
Happy Spring!!

The Phillips Story

2010-03-11T18:44:00.001-06:00

The Young Families Bible Class of Monterey Church of Christ has a special need and we are asking for your help!! The Phillips Family has 8 month old twin boys. The most precious boys you could ever meet! Nathan was born with many health issues resulting from a very traumatic delivery. The family now faces many financial obstacles. They have had medical bills that are out of reach, most importantly the fact that Nathan is currently uninsurable. I believe everyone understands that problem. So, we at Drake Design are helping the Bible Class with a project. You need Easter/Spring photos of your children or grandchildren. We are providing a special day and all proceeds will go directly to the Phillips family. This will be a spring background, with no scary bunnies!!! You know, the big, tall, they look sweet to you and me, but the kids scream and run, bunnies! Just pretty faces on all the children. By the way, if there are no children, I know you have a pet that is a kid in your family! They are welcome as well. Please consider this cause. If you have no one to photograph, we will be happy to take your donation! Call 806-797-9767 and we will give you a time on the schedule! We will take walk in guests, but the wait time might be longer. You are still welcome to come! Help us help this family

The Phillips Family

2010-03-11T18:33:00.003-06:00

Tucker Miles Cagle!

2010-03-08T01:31:00.002-06:00

Tucker Miles Cagle arrived on February 15, 2010! He has been such a joy! He is 3 weeks old today! We have been very busy. Mom & Dad along with big brother, Drake are so very proud of their new addition. I have had the pleasure of spoiling this one and making sure that Drake understands that YaYa ( that is me, the grandmother) still has more than enough time for the older grandson! Pops has been helping with all the excitement as well. Yes, he has certainly changed our schedule, but I think we are in a routine now. Even if we must stop and hold him, in the middle of that routine, we are all happy to do what ever it takes! What rich blessings God has bestowed upon our family!

Animoto.com

2010-01-28T15:41:00.001-06:00

Surprises

2010-01-28T14:44:00.000-06:00

You never know when an unexpected surprise drops into your life.

This is about an experience I had last week when photographing a child for adoption.

I can not post his photo here for privacy issues, but know that he is wonderful.

Please go to www.childshome.org if you have any room for a child that is needing a home.

Heaven Sent

2010-01-28T14:30:00.004-06:00

Too many days in my life I feel sorry for myself.

I wonder if I could be smarter.

Run my business better.

Be a better mother, grandmother, friend.

Could I be a better wife? Oh yes.

Christian? How broken I am.

I indulge in sinful worry.

Not being faithful in my trust that He will provide and comfort always.

What a sad individual I have become.

Yes, I pray.

So, today in walks a young man.

Little do I know at that moment, I will remember Travis for the rest of my life.

He is only eleven years old.

I met him on Monday, but he was in a crowd and I did not really meet him.

Today, it was funny how he made me smile with the first true introduction.

A short 20 minutes later, I felt he was my friend.

His amazing humor, and very deep intellect let me open my eyes again to what is really important.

He looked into my camera with a determination I have seldom seen.

With a purpose to show someone special, that he is a very special person.

As I looked through the viewfinder, I saw a young man longing for unconditional love.

His pose was practiced and deliberate.

He just wants someone to give him a home.

Love him unconditionally.

We even joked and posed with his arms outstretched and begging, praying.

"Please sir, can you give me a home?"

I know nothing of his past life before today.

It is very obvious it has not been an easy eleven years.

Probably more eventful than I would ever wish to believe.

But he posed, smiled, begged, and I am sure he prays for a home.

One that is full of love. The unconditional kind.

He made me feel good enough for anything today.

It will take some time for me to forget again how blessed and spoiled I am.

Prayers are answered in the strangest ways.

Thank you Travis for transforming my camera and me today.

2010-01-19T00:26:00.002-06:00

So happy to announce our new addition,

"drake Vol. 2"

Special studio sessions with exciting offers.

See the web site for more information.

Our new web site is also up and running!!

A very busy start to the New Year.

Pumpkin Day @ College Flowers!

2009-10-17T12:46:00.003-05:00

We are so happy to be joining our friends at College Flowers for a special event! They are designing a wonderful Pumpkin Patch and we are going to be there this Thursday the 22nd of October from 4pm to 7pm. We will provide a photo for facebook! There will also be some great specials offered for your fall family portraits.

Come see us and get your pumpkin for Halloween or that special Fall decoration!

A Little Brother for Drake!

2009-10-17T12:26:00.001-05:00

Well, we are so excited that another wonderful boy is on his way!! Phillip is starting his own baseball team. Now the question is a great name. If you have any cool ideas, please share!

Really, I am really going to post something!! Can you believe it?!!

2009-09-23T17:18:00.002-05:00

So, I keep saying I promise to do better and post something on this blog....then facebook came along...I do not post there either. Honestly I do not understand how people have time for this....but I really would like to make an effort to do better. Jen said I must post or get rid of the blog!! Daughters can be so bossy sometimes! I hope you understand that I can tease her about the bossy....because she gets it from me of course! So, if you do not know already, Jen is having another baby in February!! Phillip is having a baby too, we just give Jen a little extra credit. If this baby is as precious (and I know that will be true) as Drake then we will be just fine. We find out next week if it will need pink or blue booties! Can you tell that I am excited?! So I promise to depart with the information and post the news next week! Now I am committed. Stay tuned and enjoy one of my favorite images of our precious Drake!

Super Senior Sunday!!!

2009-04-06T15:50:00.004-05:00

We are having a ONE DAY ONLY Senior Special. Please call the Studio for more details. 806.797.9767

March Ballerina Special

2009-03-10T16:46:00.002-05:00

2009-01-20T20:29:00.002-06:00

Valentines Day! Always so much fun and a great time to play!

Little girls love to dress up and show their own style!

Special package pricing and fun backgrounds!

Call today for available times! 797.9767

2009-01-20T20:21:00.002-06:00

2009-01-03T00:46:00.000-06:00

Investment - Back to Basics – Economy – Fear – Trust – Value - 2009

All words I hear over and over in the news, with friends, clients, family….everywhere we go. I am always the optimist. I believe in our ability to react to difficulty not fold. Everything will be fine. We may need patience and endurance but…everything will be fine. The final result may not be what we planned…but we will be fine. I have the faith that blessings will continue as long as we see the events in our life as blessings. If we never have the difficult times then we have no perspective to appreciate the good times.

I am always overwhelmed with emotion after we complete the last orders for Christmas delivery. The anticipation of all the gifts to be opened with families gathered to enjoy. Our goal is to be certain that the investment is worthwhile and will be important to generations to come.

We have invested in education, preparation, planning, and much hard work to deliver a product that will be important to you and your family.

We pray that our back to basics philosophy in this difficult economy will alleviate all fear so you may trust us to deliver a product of value, worthy of your investment, and you will return to us in 2009 and for many years thereafter.

We were blessed to enjoy family at Christmas. Some were not in the same town with us but we felt their love. This was Drake’s first Christmas to unwrap his presents and of course that was a joy to watch. What a privilege to share this beautiful time together.

Our prayers and love to all for a beautiful New Year.

2009-01-03T00:42:00.001-06:00

2008-10-31T22:33:00.003-05:00

This adorable mummy came to my door tonight. Drake is 16 months old, and so busy! He was more interested in exploring the yard than looking at the camera, so I just followed him. Happy Halloween! You know this means Christmas is almost here!!! I better find time to go shopping. This mummy will be looking for Santa!

2008 Holiday Deadlines

2008-10-14T15:47:00.006-05:00

72 Days until Christmas!!!! Drake Design is gearing up for the holiday season. We would like to share with you exciting coming events!!! The month of November is a fabulous time to capture a great image of your family for Christmas Cards, Holiday Gifts, & Family Heirlooms. Call TODAY 806.797.9767 to schedule your family portrait session. November 19-23th Holiday Happening Lubbock Memorial Civic Center We will have a booth and lots of cool new things for you this holiday season. Be sure to Come by and "Chill" in our booth!!! We will be at this year's Breakfast with Santa Events as well, be sure to come see us!! Lots of specials, fun and SANTA!!!! December 5th CHRISTMAS DEADLINE!!!!! You MUST place your order by this date to ensure that we have plenty of time to deliver by Christmas!!! Any orders placed after this date will be non guaranteed and subject to Rush Fees.

2008-10-11T19:46:00.004-05:00

Drake had his first modeling debut this week! I do not use the white background very often but this session required a solid white. So here he is with his brand new tricycle!

Merry 107 Days!!!!!

2008-09-09T14:23:00.004-05:00

Can you believe ??? 107 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!!!! We are trying to help Santa's elves to get your Christmas cards on the way.... If we have already photographed your family, children, pets, wedding we are offering you 10 FREE Christmas Cards on any order of 25 or more... You MUST order before October 1st to receive this special. Call the studio 806.797.9767 TODAY!!

2008-08-11T19:48:00.004-05:00

Drake says CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Brandon on his graduation from A&M Commerce! Brandon did his time working for us and went on to get his degree in Photography. He walked this past weekend and we are so proud of him! We wish all the best for his future. He needed an internship this summer so he came and did a little more time here. We stopped working long enough to get this image with his buddy Drake. We love you Brandon!!! from the whole crazy crew!!!

2008-07-30T01:16:00.002-05:00

We had all sizes, colors, shapes, and smiles to photograph!

2008-07-30T00:46:00.002-05:00

Dog Days of Summer brought us a room full of food, and goodies. We are overwhelmed by the wonderful donations. During the event we were told of a program with Meals on Wheels. We animal lovers understand, the people with pets who receive meals will feed the pets first and then have what is left over. So they take pet food donations to deliver as well. Today Jen and Steve took all the donations to them and they were so happy to have the truck load of food! We are so Blessed everyday by our clients, their families, and their pets. Thank you for sharing!

2008-07-25T00:09:00.003-05:00

It has been a great week! Started with so much fun on Muddy Monday! The kids were great and the weather was perfect. On Wednesday I spoke to a class at TTU that is studying wedding and event planning. The assignment is to plan several weddings in a short period of time. If you know me, then you know it was no problem for me to talk for an hour! They are a great class! At least I had fun. Now, tomorrow & Saturday we have Dog Days of Summer! We all love dogs and it should be great. This special is also a way to collect dog food donations for the animal shelter. I will be sure to add photos of the fun! Have a great weekend!

2008-07-18T12:05:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, I was a nurse for years before changing careers and becoming a photographer. I worked in critical care areas most of my days in nursing. So, when Covenant asked me to photograph Dr. Michael DeBakey in 2004, I was honored to cover the event. When I heard of his passing last Friday, I understood the great loss. He would have been 100 years old in September 2008. What a life legacy he has left. These hands have performed over 60,000 heart surgeries. That is more than we can truly comprehend. He was 95 years young the day I photographed him. He was still working and developing new products to save lives. Most of all he was a man of faith and let us all know that as much as he could do as a physician, it was not up to us whether a man lives or dies. That decision was in much greater hands.

2008-07-03T09:39:00.003-05:00

2008-06-28T14:45:00.003-05:00

I know you think we really are not ever going to revisit this blog again!!! Well it has come to pass that I am finally back here and ready to make this a place where all can keep up with our crazy wild wonderful world of Drake Design! We have been very busy and are planning some new special features in the very near future. Here is a tease just to keep you coming back to see what is next! Thanks for visiting and we hope you make us one of your favorites.

We are included in the display!

2007-11-01T23:07:00.000-05:00

We are so honored to be included in the display at the Underwood Center. This is a special event to celebrate Margaret Talkington and her fabulous salon that is a part of Lubbock history. The Johnston family loaned their portrait of Meredith to the event. You can see the wedding photo of Pat & Danny at their wedding. Meredith wore the veil that was worn by her mother, Pat in her wedding. It was purchased at Margarets and is so beautiful and timeless.

2007-11-01T23:05:00.001-05:00

Drake enjoyed his first Halloween by blending in with the other pumpkins!

2007-11-01T23:03:00.001-05:00

2007-11-01T00:10:00.001-05:00

2007-10-31T23:59:00.000-05:00

Dinner with Dracula!

2007-10-31T23:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday was great! Dinner with Dracula then Donating with Dracula! Thanks to United Blood Services for bringing your fabulous bus to our event! We even captured a few smiles in the pumpkin patch!

Good Evening!!

2007-10-22T13:39:00.000-05:00

Good Evening! It is October and it is all about the "evening time" which happens to be our favorite time of year. It is so beautiful to photograph outdoors and the weather is perfect. Today however has turned into a sample of early winter and I am ready for the "Indian summer" that we love so much. Welcome to our new blog and hope you will come back soon!