Large Family Photo Shoot~3 Generations

Last weekend I got to experience my first big group photo shoot. There's always many challenges when doing so many different people: is everyone looking in the right spot, are the kids going to cooperate, what about the weather? But blessings were on our side and it was one of the nicest days we've had in the area in a long time. It was still a little breezy and chilly but for the most part it was tolerable.

Angela saw me do my little talk on taking creative pictures of kids at my church's East Campus MOMS group. She called me wanting a to do some big family pictures since her younger sister and husband were moving very soon. What a great family! Everyone was so excited, had tons of energy and were pretty much up for anything I suggested as well as great suggestions of their own.

The Whole Group!!!!

I had to snap quite a few shots of this right after the other, just to make sure we got a good one. Many of the others, someone was looking away, making sure their hair was out of their face, eyes closed, talking to kids, etc...

The Ladies!!!

Debi and her daughters (from left to right), Amanda, Abbie and Angela. Aren't they all so gorgeous? And little brother Josh was pulled in as well.

Here's a few silly ones of the girls. They were so animated, great personalities, LOVED IT!

Such wonderful, loving women, wives and mothers. They have such a close sisterly bond, it was great to see it in action.

The Grandkids, Reese, Ethan and Brayden!!! and son Josh!

Grandma with her grandbabies!

Craig, Angela and Kids!!!!

What a great family. Angela is a very gifted singer as well as a tenderhearted mother, so patient with two very active kids. I love this picture of their family because that's pretty much how the day went. It was cold and the kids were wanting to explore instead of pose for pictures (duh, how boring is that?). But this is such a "parent" moment, I LOVE it, maybe because I see myself in there a little bit.

Brett and Amanda!!!!

They're moving. :( But I had so much fun with these two. I've never really done a "couples" shoot and I would have loved to spend more time with them practicing on that. They had larger than life personalities, fun senses of humor and they were SO photogenic. Wow!!!

Kenny, Abbie and Baby Brayden!!!

What a sweet, young family. Brayden is 4 months old and SO well behaved, not a peep out of him. He was all decked out, totally matching dad, which was adorable. Such a loving couple, they doted on their baby boy. He is so loved!

I LOVED shooting these with Abbie and her boy, she has the best bone structure and skin ever!!!! That's just from my perspective from behind the camera but wow, gorgeousness!

Another one of the whole group. Thank you for taking a chance on a newbie! You all were amazing! ~Koren

Maternity Shoot~Alison, Grace and Baby Kate

I recently shot my friend Alison's maternity pictures. She was accompanied by her 3 year old daughter, Grace! What a special pair. I know Alison through my MOMS group at our church and her story just touches my heart on so many levels. What a brave, strong and quiet soul. She has previously gone through some very difficult circumstances and is currently in the midst of even more, but has remained true to what God has commanded her to do. With poise and grace, she looks forward to the birth of her second daughter and I was so privileged to help commemorate that for her.

These two are so sweet. Alison calls Grace her little buddy!

Alison was about 35 weeks pregnant when I shot these and because her belly was so tiny, I had to play with my angles to find it. :) Darn, don't we all wish we had that problem?

The many faces of Miss Gracie. What an adorable chatter box. She was so cute and cooperative, I just love her animation and expressive face.

This was her "smooshy face". Hilarious, Alison and I were laughing so hard.

I look forward to meeting your new little bundle, Alison!

newborn photo shoot~lady leah joy

This weekend I journeyed to Clatskanie, OR to shoot another newborn. Leah Joy was born to our family friends, Matt and Anna. Nick knew Anna and her family when he was growing up and we went to college with both of them as well. Leah is the fourth child, 2 boys and 2 girls, nice and even. :) I asked Anna if I could bless them with some newborn pictures, all the while giving me more practice that I desire and need.

After getting a snack and diaper change, little Leah performed beautifully. She was all curled up and ready to have her picture taken. I know most of these photos are of her sleeping because that's what she did most of the time, but they were all so precious, I had to share.

This orange flower bow is actually Reagan's, but I LOVE the color and we just placed it on her sleeping little head and it made such a beautiful accessory.

This one is my favorite!

Thank you for letting me meet your new addition!

newborn photo shoot~beautiful baby tatem

Today I got to add "newborn photos" to my resume! Little did I know how challenging the little darlings can be, and I've had 3 of my own. But it was pure joy. My close friend, Erin, had her beautiful baby girl, Tatem. The experience of the labor and delivery was such a blessing for Erin and her prayers were answered with things going according to plan. Of course, being friends, I wanted to meet little "Taters" (as I like to call her, don't know what Erin thinks of that), but also to take on the task of capturing some newborn shots for her. Better to "learn" with a friend than a stranger, right?

I've tried to do my research as best as I can about newborn shoots but the babies don't read up on it like me so they have their own agenda. Poor thing was hungry and tired and did not appreciate me trying to prop her up in all kinds of positions or having things shoved on her head. Erin was going to a doctor's appointment so we were crunched for time as well. But despite her protests, I think we managed to take some lovely shots of this new creation.

I LOVE this one, can you "hear" her yet? :)

Look at those gorgeous, pouty lips.

Such a cutie, from the tip of her sweet little toes...

...to the ends of her tiny little fingers.

She did NOT appreciate the basket attempts, but I nabbed a couple good ones. For a newborn, this girl can move.

Erin's mom, Amy, is in town to help her out. She is so sweet with all of her grandchildren. They are some lucky kids! Nana doesn't care if you're screaming, you tell her ALL about it.

Erin is such a wonderful and loving mom, so patient and kind with a busy 2 year old and now a needy newborn.

Mr. Wesley wasn't really into having his photo taken, but he's clearly a budding photographer!

Welcome to the world, sweet little one!