Catching up~Puppies

Wow, it's been a while since I've been able to blog and catch up with all of the work I've been doing. But that's a good problem to have. I have been immersed in multiple photo shoots per week and editing pictures that I haven't had a free moment. So get ready for a series of blog posts.

A few weeks ago I got the pleasure of photographing some adorable English Bulldog puppies. This was my first referral shoot as well (thanks, Ronda). Kandie had always wanted to breed her bulldog so she decided to go ahead with the dream. Bless her heart, it has been A LOT of work. Worse than a newborn baby? Perhaps, and she has 4 kids herself. But it has been a labor of love and she wanted some good photos of the puppies to commemorate this time before they moved on to different homes.

~Paisley~

~Solomon~

~Pearl~

~Tootsie Roll~ (my favorite)

They were snuggly and silly and moved all over the place, just like children, which I'm totally used to. :) Good luck, Kandie. They are such sweet things! If I didn't already know how much work puppies are, I probably would have left with one myself.

Spicing it Up!

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Portrait Storytelling~The "P" Family

I just met Haley this year at our MOMS group at church. We've chatted a bit here and there and I could instantly tell whas a quiet, sweet spirit she had. I was thrilled when she asked me to do some family pictures for her because I had been wanting to get to know her more (and what better way than spending an hour and a half with a family interacting with each other). Unfortunately, our first try didn't pan out because of the weather so we rescheduled. The weather report was NOT looking favorable at all but we decided to go for it as she claimed they were up for anything. That's some every photographer loves to hear. And God blessed us that day as well, because, for the couple hours we were together, not ONE drop fell on us! As I was getting in my car to drive away after the shoot, the raindrops began to sprinkle on my windshield. What perfect timing.

As we got started I didn't really know what to expect from her little boy as I've never met him before. Poor little guy had already had a busy day and was just waking up from his siesta and did not want the strange lady snapping pictures of him, he made that very clear. :) I love that I can honestly reassure clients who are parents that I am not easily phased as I have 3 little ones at home, so I've seen it all. As long as Mom and Dad are cool and calm and don't expect too much out of their kids it goes so much better. Once Cole forgot I was there, he loosened up and got his inner "cheese" on.

Since much of their shoot didn't involve a lot of posing (because let's face it, 3 year olds just aren't known for standing still for long), I love how a little story unfolded of the interaction of this family: mom and dad having a little "chat" with their son, reassuring him that it'll be ok, looking at me with resignation as they say, "Well, we've resorted to bribery" as they promise him a yummy milkshake in exchange for a little cooperation (hey, can I get in on that?:). But what parent hasn't? I love the ease and natural flow of how their photos turned out...

Then he started get really excited as I'd let him peek at some shots that I'd taken of him. "Can I see?" he'd inquire of me. Sure thing!

Spending a little time with his beautiful mama! Such a sweet and loving family.

I SO love this shot! Nothing to fear by this time.

And then there's Haley and Jeff. When was the last time you'd had pictures of just you two taken, your wedding? (Isn't that true for most of us, I know it is for me, sigh). They were cute and funny and so smitten with each other, you'd think this was an engagement shoot! :)

And to wrap us here's some of my favorite family shots that I nabbed of them.

Thank you Haley, Jeff and Cole. I hope to hang with you all again really soon!!!!!

Capturing Kids~The "Y" Clan

My friend Stacey asked me to come take some photos of her kids the other day. I think this was the first time I've dealt with so many young kids at one time. :) But I love taking on new challenges. How else can I get better and grow, right? Stacey and I have known each other for a few years but got much close over the last year and a half when we were pregnant together with our 3rd child, both girls. After I'd had Jordan, I went over to help Stacey with some housework and keep her company a few times since she couldn't do it while being pregnant. Phew, glad we're both done with that. It's been great for my kids, too, to have more friends to play with, and now, even better, they just moved into a neighborhood right up the street from us. Yessss!

Stacey wanted a certain look for her pictures to grace the walls of her new home, so I aim to please. She likes a lot of black and white, desaturation, sepia, and little pops of color. So I set up "shop" and we went to work, trying to contain the ever moving little ones.

I think this was THE best shot I got of all three kids. There's always going to be someone not looking at the camera, but that's ok. That's what makes it memorable.

Then just some of brother and sister.

I adore this one, with just the accent in their big blue eyes.

Little Miss "G"

Shy Mr. "J"

The Ever moving Miss "A"

Another sweet expression. She was SO busy, we had to keep feeding her little treats to get her to stay in one place. :) I'm sure she was full by the end of it all.

Thanks, Stacey! I hope there's something in here that strikes your fancy!

Family Photo Shoot~The "D" Family

I met Lisa 4 years ago. She probably doesn't remember this, but I sat next to her my very first day of our MOMS Leadership Bible Study when I became a new table leader in the middle of the year. I pretended I was so confident and plunked myself down next to her and introduced myself. She did as well....and that was all. :) Haha! From one quiet gal to another that's progress. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this woman over the past four years and my first impression was pretty good, kind, quiet, yet if you get her alone all of this wonderful amazingness comes shining through! And as you will SOON see, she's one of the most beautiful people I'm proud to know.

She asked me to take some family pictures for her while her husband was home from working abroad. We met at a local park and spent the next hour trying not to get muddy, jumping from logs and capturing an adorable family!!!!

Sorry, girl, I know this wasn't your "personal" photo shoot but I had to post this beautiful shot of JUST YOU!!!!!

She's such a wonderful patient mom to her two darling girls.

Let's get some energy out. I love action shots because, aren't kids on the move most of the time anyway?

Ah, these two were so endearing to me, reminding me of me and my older sister, Shonda. She was always by the book and quiet, just like older sister Hope. I, on the other hand, was NOT, like little sis Charlotte!!!! Hmmmm, is it an age order thing? Must be!

Such a stunning young lady. This has to be one of my most favorite shots ever (I hope this goes on Lisa's wall). :) She looks like a young Miley Cyrus, back when she was cute and innocent.

What a spunky lil' gal! So fun and full of energy, it took a lot to keep up with her, but that was ok by me.

The following are just some great family shots that I wanted to share.

Now I'd like to say that I TOTALLY meant for this shot to look like this but alas, I did not. It almost ended up in the delete bin. But taking a closer look at it, I loved how the background was in focus and the people were not. And that little twinge of light from the sun looked so cool, I had to play with it. And I'm glad I did...

Thank you Lisa, Jon and girls for letting me spend a little bit of time with you all. I hope this created some memories for you. Let's "play" again sometime! :)