A burning desire to be a clown

The Keller Fire Brigade (aka "fire clowns") performed for students across Texas today via streaming Web video. October is Fire Prevention Month, but it's always a good time to learn about preventing fires and knowing what to do in case one breaks out in the house. Above, the clowns wave to the camera (and students).


One of the guy's duties was to magically appear inside the computer screen from time to time.


This is the number of the day: 9-1-1.


In case of smoke, stay low to the ground where the air is still good!


This is an attempt at an "artsy" shot.



Here's what the clowns were interacting with. It made their job difficult compared to the instant reactions they get when performing in front of a live children-filled audience.


One of the video feeds from a school was upside down, so they figured they'd accommodate the ceiling-flipped students.

All in all a fun show. All four are full-time firefighter/paramedics with Keller Fire-Rescue. They aren't afraid to get silly in the name of fire education!

It's hard to resist a silly hat

It helps that both my kids are total hams!

The Buddy System

Want professional family portraits for the holidays? To give as gifts? To incorporate into custom Christmas cards? To mark the end of another special year? Want to save some money? Have I got the plan for you!

The Buddy System allows you to invite up to two friends and their families for a mini portrait session, to split the session fee among you. The session can take place at the location of your choice, include one of your homes. Each family will be photographed individually, but can also be combined for other photos if desired. The combined session may not last as long as an individual family session, but the result is the same: beautiful images of your family and each of its members, preserved for the ages. Experience them every day with lab-quality prints and gift products. Share them with others.

Buddy System-Two Families
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $125 per family. Splitting the cost is twice as nice!

Buddy System-Three Families
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $100 per family. Save $150 per family on the individual family session fee!

Buddy System-Family Reunion
• Group shot of all family members when they are all related.
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• Session cost: $100 per family (four-family minimum). Get together!

Standard Family Session
• Family and individual family member portraits on location.
• Password-protected online gallery for proofing and ordering of products.
• CD of low-resolution images for sharing on Web sites.
• $50 credit toward prints and products.
• Included 25 holiday cards featuring images of your family.
• Session cost: $250. Isn't it time for a custom family portrait?

Contact me today, as Christmas will be here before you know it: todd@toddovermanphoto.com.

A ride on the Pumpkin Express

The boys had a great time at the Pumpkin Express, a pumpkin patch and train ride in Argyle. I highly recommend this patch over the two more famous ones in Flower Mound ... it was busy the day we went but never felt like it. For me, it was great to finally get out of the house after being flu-ish for a week. What a great weekend to feel better!

My partner in crime

My household has gotten bitten by the flu bug pretty hard. After my wife and older son got the flu, it was only a matter of time before it bit me. Fortunately, when the younger boy started to get feverish, we were able to get medicine to squash the bug before it took over. The end result is the same: he and I have been home together trying to recover.

The orange on his face is marker – his immediate reaction when finding any marker is to draw on himself. Lately that's included his face, legs and feet. He is really a fun, crazy kid! He has been talking coherently enough for meaningful conversations since he was 18 months old (he turns 3 this December). Still, he can't explain his fascination with body art.

Thankfully, I'm feeling a lot better but am not yet 100 percent. The timing has just about knocked out any chance of us attending this year's State Fair of Texas – even though we've got the free tickets to go. Real disappointed about that! This is the last weekend, and Saturday being the Texas-OU game I'm not sure we will be up to braving the crowds. That is, if I'm up for leaving the house.

Portraits: Capturing the whole family

This is Max, our beloved Border collie, who is the best dog in the world.*

Pets fill a special place in our lives that nobody or no other thing can. So when it comes time to create lasting family portraits, don't forget the special family members who make every day special! Pets are also good subjects for Christmas cards – unfailingly photogenic even on bad hair days.

With paid portrait sessions now until Nov. 30, receive 25 Christmas cards as part of your fulfillment package. Now, what are you waiting for?

*Nothing against your pet, but Max rocks!

Soggy day @ the orchard

I was able to visit Henrietta Creek Orchard on Thursday with my son's first-grade class (and a lot of other parents). The day started with heavy rain that waned slightly while we were there, but pretty much kept the proceedings soggy. The kids, however, seemed to have a great time. One sad thing was that two seasons' worth of crops have been affected by either an unexpected freeze in the spring or hungry parasites. It's still a neat place to visit, although suburban sprawl is getting awfully close to this family farm/paradise.