Love, Me Blog

OK, I realize the blog neglect has been terrible.  It’s hard to believe people actually read this stuff, so I am sorry to those who have been anxiously waiting to see if I am still in business In fact, I have so many fun sessions to show you and now that I am through the holiday madness, I might actually have some down time to show it all to you.  

I truly loved this session.  The uniqueness of capturing just one relationship other than through a couples session is something that I just love!  Too often we take pictures of the whole family together, or all the siblings and we forget about a parents individual and unique connection to each child, or in this case the special bond between a father and his daughter.  I know about this connection because I have been blessed with such an incredible dad.  Those who know me well know what I think of my dad and just how important he is to me.  I used to get teased in middle school because apparently I bragged about my dad a little too much.  Oh, well!  They didn’t tease when the boys thought I was hot stuff because I was the only girl that could throw a perfect spiral OR when I taught half of my friends how to ride their own bike because I learned early.  And, to this day I am proud to say I have NEVER been thrown into a pool (yup, my daddy taught me how to inflict major pain on any boy stronger than me) and well … My dad can still beat your dad up  I hope that one day Mia Grace comes home from school upset because her friends teased her about how cool she thinks her dad IS.  

Anyway, Paul is a great friend and he has such a special relationship with his daughter Sydney.  I was more than honored when he asked me to capture it.  I have a feeling Sydney will write some amazing things about her dad when she is my age and can look back and realize all the “talks” lectures her dad gives her actually served a wonderful purpose.  (hang in there Syd, I promise )  I could go on and on about these two forever. So, here are my favs from their little mini session.

The “uncomfortable” closeness paid off I think. (I need a longer lens )

There’s no denying how Sydney views her dad with this picture.

Sorry for all the sun flare, but I just love it.  This next one is my favorite by a mile!  I think mainly because Sydney looks 13 here (not 17!)

And, of course I had to snap a few of sweet Sydney by herself. She is seriously so photogenic.  Every single picture I take of her, she just rocks it.  It’s just wrong how tall and beautiful you are, Syndey!  I can’t believe it.

and lastly, something very different from my normal stuff. I love shooting sessions with good friends bc I can always experiment in the end.

Love you guys!  Hope you enjoy your peek.

Have I mentioned how much I love photographing seniors?!  I really do.  I hear lots of photographers talk about how senior guys are tough to photograph, but man, I must just get lucky with really great guys because every senior guy session has been awesome for me!  It really gives me an opportunity to be creative with angles, etc. and explore new things in camera because I am not as concerned with all the girlie stuff.  (does this angle look flattering, will this pose make her lose 10 pounds )  In all seriousness, I love love senior girls too, but there is something about a guys session for me that is so unique and refreshing.  

So, you can see why I was excited to hear a familiar voice on the other end of the phone wanting to book her son’s senior pics.  I worked for Kim briefly before Mia Grace was born.  Actually before I was even pregnant.  It’s amazing how times flys!  I loved working for Kim, but working as a teller, well … that’s another story Let’s just say its a good thing I found something I was much more suited for!! Moving on.

Chas is a senior this year at L.D. Bell (Mike’s alma mater) and I had such a great time at our session.  He is so easy to talk to and was up for anything I asked.  He even drove his awesome truck down this rocky gravel in between some railroad tracks which now that I’m typing that  I am sure is not completely legal. We shot for a solid two hours until there was no more light left.  Anyway, I truly love the results.  I had such a difficult time narrowing it down and even choosing to show in BW or Color.  Nearly all the images look great in both which is rare.  Anyway, this post is such a great ending to the 2008 year for me because these are somewhat unique from me.  I am so thankful to my clients who all challenge me to capture something fresh with each shoot.  Thanks, Chas, for a great great shoot and for telling your mom you thought I was pretty cool! lol.  So glad to know I am not too old just yet to still relate to a teenager … whew!

Here are the favs.

Indecisive again.  BW or Color?

Thanks again Kim for thinking of me for Chas’ senior pics.  It truly was a favorite session!  Hope you guys love your sneak peek.

Meet the Staleys.  Once again, I get the cutest families to photograph!  I was so excited when this family piled out of the car because they were dressed SO perfect for pictures.  When I say to coordinate colors, but not be matchy matchy, this is exactly what I’m talking about!  The textures of layered clothing and fun colors photograph so well don’t you think?  Renee, I know this was all you … way to go girl  It also seriously helps that they are a beautiful family! I also owe a shout out to my friend Lindsey (from back in the day.  Go NHS) for the referral … Drake and Maron are her cute niece and nephew (lucky girl )  

The Staley Clan was my very last family session for 2008!  (I’m shooting some more sessions in December, but you may not see those until after the holiday)  What a way to end an incredible year!  I just loved this family and took WAY too many pictures as usual.  Everything was just too perfect to not snap away.  So, here are a few favorites from their session.  Thank you guys for your patience during this insanely busy time!  Hope you enjoy.

Maron is so so adorable.  She was striking a pose for me here  And look at little Drake.  He looks like a little man to me!

Outfit #2 (for the whole family) … equally as PERFECT!  

And this last one of sweet Maron, I just ADORE.  I could not choose between BW or Color, so I’ll just show you both.  Isn’t she just gorgeous … Her hair, those BIG blue eyes, and her little heart shaped lips.  What a doll!

Thank you Staley Family!

Oh, how I LOVE big families!  It is such a challenge to shoot families in general, but BIG families are in a league of their own.  Especially if any member is under 5  I had the best time with this family.  Talk about well behaved, great kids!  Right when I pulled up, Cole, the oldest volunteered to haul my huge church pew bench to the barn for me (without being asked!)  Then, as I’m getting my gear all together and doing some lighting shots, I look up and ALL four saints kids, including little Jena, are sitting perfectly on the bench just looking up at me!  Holy, I just died and left Texas?!!  They really were so pleasant and wonderful the whole time.  Just so you don’t think my job is a complete whiz, I did have to fight those conditioned cheese faces quite a bit (as MUCH as I have tried to never teach my daughter the meaning of that word, somehow she has learned it!!!)  Here are some favorites!  Loved meeting you guys.

Here’s that first shot I mentioned.

Luckily my mom had this wonderful bench (thanks Grandma Betty!) that I knew would be perfect for a large family.

Its absolutely AMAZING, the expressions you can get from boys when you ask about girls  LOVE it! Cole smiled and said, “no comment”, Mason immediately traded his best “cheese” face for a mischievous grin, and just LOOK at little 5 year old Grant’s face.  My next frames included him looking to the ground and shrinking his neck as far down as possible.  It reminded me so much of my little brother at this age.  I realized I had just turned into one of those annoying woman who used to embarrass him all.the.time.  And, Dustin was painfully shy! Sorry, Grant. 

And, this … my favorite!  It’s images like these we should have blown up HUGE on our walls.  Look at Jena’s face.  Oh, so classic, and I bet, so her!

Thank you Fellers family!  What a pleasure it was to meet you and photograph your cute family.