Kendra + Tyler Maternity Session- Welcoming a Daughter and a Sister

Blessings to you both on this wonderful news! A beautiful little girl will be coming soon to join your already amazing family. Little Thaiden, born just last year, will have a little sister!

It’s funny that both your maternity sessions were in the colder months. I was sure that we were gonna freeze our little behinds off when I woke up and saw that our 7:45am photo session was in 25 degree weather!! Surprisingly, with the sun shining and almost no wind it was quite pleasant. We really lucked out. It was so wonderful to get to see Thaiden too, since the last time I saw him was for our newborn session and he was just a tiny little thing.

Can’t wait to meet little Freya. Such a beautiful name too. And thank you guys for coming back to work with me for you second pregnancy!! I always do first time maternity portrait sessions but rarely do seconds and thirds. I think it’s just as magical the second time around and what a wonderful opportunity to get some family photos in, not only for the momentous occasion of a new baby, but also to capture, in this case, a soon to be Big Brother while he’s at such a cute age! I’m so delighted I got to share in the beauty and joy of this moment. Thanks for making my first portrait session of 2021 a blast!

The Field Of Flowers That Called For A Portrait

I had been driving by a field of flowers everyday for weeks! And every time I passed it, I was planning shoots in my mind. Many times this happens to me and I never actually get to it. But THIS time, this field of flowers and I jammed together. Morgen was in town for only a weekend, and our portrait paths crossed. I was so excited to shoot with her since I had never had a full session of my own, just working with her at a fashion show in the past. And my expectations were blown right out of the water….or out of the field, LOL. She was magnificent, moving with grace and fluidity in and out of poses, coming up with great ideas all on her own, and fueling my rapid fire shooting of this momentous occasion. I filled up an entire 32G card. I also had a lot of fun editing, and combining a few different styles. Some of them I wanted crisp and clean and bright, and some I added a vintage touch (Which Morgen said she was feeling on the day with her hat and her outfit)

So thank you again Morgen, for wanting to do a fun, creative portrait session with me, capturing this field of flowers, AND the field of tall grass by my house, in their glory days. It wasn’t a week or two later that all the flowers had bloomed out, and solid green took over. It was just a brief moment in time that lent its beauty to our purpose.

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Lask Family - A Family Portrait Session with a Winter Picnic Outside

This was a truly special photo session. Shannon planned a family outdoor picnic (IN THE WINTER!) with food and decor to rival Martha Stewart! It was amazing. And it celebrated her beautiful family now, as well as the year anniversary of her dearly beloved’s passing, Mike.

Luckily we planned it on a not TOO freezing day, so we were able to enjoy being outside. Darwin was running around with a very large stick, which whacked a few heads and fingers, but I got the greatest shot of him looking like a world-wise wizard, or avid hiker, take your pick. Well worth it! Elanor was so full of energy and spirit. We had a great time jumping, and posing, and her foot always wound up in the air with her tongue out. Very cute, and I love capturing the true personality of the kids in my photos. That way, when you look back on them 10-20-30 years from now, you can say “Yup, that was them, always with their tongue out!”. She showed me the locket with a picture of her daddy in it; Always close to her heart and dangling in the middle of the group photos, which was so perfect.

It was so easy to capture the spirit and loving energy between this family. Hugs passed around, bubbles being chased, Darwin stealing grapes and sushi through the shoot, and Elanor running around in her dress and tights, which had such a cute hole in the bum. I wish I had gotten a shot of that.

Thank you Shannon for asking me to be a part of your family this day! I hope these pictures bring you joy and peace throughout your lives together.

I loved this series of Eleanor. She has so much radiant personality.

I saw her touching the locket all the time, opening and closing it, swinging it up as she jumped. I asked her what was inside, she said “My daddy.”

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How do you keep everyone’s attention throughout a family group photo? BUBBLES! Although sometimes the adults are more crazy about them than the kids :)

The Celebration of a Family Moment

I LOVE family photo shoots.  I don't think people do them enough.  Time passes quickly, and if friends, family, or pets are at all important to you, then why wouldn't you want to document that. Especially if you have a family, and your children are young. 

Kids grow up fast!  I would say plan for a photoshoot 2x a year the first year, then once a year up until 4 or 5 years old, and then maybe every 1-3 years up until mid teens or they graduate from high school.  

Leslie and McLane shared celebrated 9 months with their precious Avery with a family photoshoot.  I brought a balloon, which Avery loved, and we went into the river and played in the water.   Was able to catch a few tender, candid moments when Avery was getting her hair brushed and having a new outfit put on.  I love being able to show those real family moments, since that's what they're going to look back on and remember with love.  And of course, she got to keep the balloon! 

When was the last time you had a family photoshoot to document your loved ones?