In the past two weeks, I’ve had the privilege of shooting not one, not two, but three senior sessions. The best part about it is that they’re all friends, and depending on the season, call each other teammates. These guys were all such good sports (no pun intended) for their sessions. Aren’t they a handsome trio? 
Seems as though keeping a blog updated with the behind-the-scenes anecdotes is a weak point for me. Facebook has taken over as the quick and easy way to share an experience or photo, and I’ve been more diligent with that than here. My apologies.
This was a summer of baseball…
…and a beautiful wedding for my favorite cousin. Well, favorite cousin that grew up one half mile away and whose name is not Jenna. 
I’m getting back in the swing of portrait-y shoots and loving it already. Even though it makes for late nights since I edit after the kids are in bed, I’m enjoying every minute of it.
Early in May I met Camille, her mom, and their two English Bulldogs. From this session I learned a few things:
1. Bulldogs are awesome.
2. Bulldogs can be stubborn.
3. The families that bulldogs allow to live with them are pretty awesome too.
Congrats, Camille – Class of 2011!
Literally and figuratively! I shot this right before she tumbled over. It didn’t phase her, though. She is one of the happiest babies I have ever been around. I knew it’d be a great time when she began giggling at her own feet, and especially her cute sandals. 
Every once in while though, she gave me a look that needs no words.
Now, I’m not going to claim to see into the future, but I think this might make a reappearance around middle school. Wagers, anyone?
All kidding aside, the afternoon was a success due to you and your cutie pie. Thank you, Jessica & Jordan, for allowing me to spend time with your sweet girl.
Last Saturday I met a darling baby boy and his very loving big brother and sister. This is the first baby shoot I’ve done that wasn’t for a first baby, and I was amazed to see how much big brother and sister wanted to be involved with him. Every chance they got, they kissed him, talked to him, and loved on him.
Ahh. I love these kids.
“Mom, is this okay?”
*Yawn*….”Will she leave me alone so I can get dressed?”
Spending time with these kiddos and their parents was a great way for me to spend my Saturday. Later, as I sifted through the 500+ photos finding the best to share with the family, I was amazed at the images of love like these above. I’m sure the jury’s out as to whether everyone gets along in middle and high school, but in this moment, all is well. This shoot, like so many, just shows me how blessed I am to meet and spend time with wonderful, loving families. Love it, love it, love it.
you see your younger (by eleven years) cousin as an adult. And meet his girlfriend. And later, they’re engaged. Then, you spend time with him and his fiancee and you realize that they’re quite the lucky folk to have found each other. After all this, you feel guilty about giving him a hard time when he was six years old and would NOT leave you alone. (hypothetically speaking, of course)
A few weeks ago, I drove down to “The Farm” as Kayla called it for their engagement photo session. I knew I’d be on the backroads, and actually kept my camera out just in case. I was not disappointed.
What’s that? Yes, why, yes it IS a chihuahua. On a road. In the country.
Once I arrived and we caught the tail end of the basketball game (they’re both avid sports fans), we set out in the Kubota and traveled all over the farm that’s been in her family for several generations. Samuel navigated the Kubota through ditches, fields, and trails as Kayla shared the history of the farm. It’s full of rolling hills, gorgeous woods, and even a cave.
Kayla’s dad led the way to a cave. 
That’s where these came from. 
Sam drove us up to the spot where he proposed to Kayla, and Sam described what it was like trying to work the conversation up to the point that he could ask her to marry him, and how long he had her ring on his pinky finger, waiting for just the right moment. 
Hearing their story was awesome. I know that’s not very descriptive, but stories like this are why I am looking forward to another engagement shoot. The excitement of knowing that these two fantastic people are getting ready to embark on a new adventure as a couple? Sheesh. There’s just not much better than that.
Thank you, Sam and Kayla, for allowing me a peek into the beginning of your journey together.
Okay, so that sounds a little odd – but it is the truth. Mom and Dad were kind enough to go along with me when I asked for some of their time this afternoon. We stopped by Black Sheep Antiques and its owner graciously allowed us to roam around while I snapped photos. The shop is full of neat, neat pieces, and the selection changes constantly. I picked up some old letter blocks to use for upcoming baby shoots – and could have done more damage than that!
I have to say that taking photos of Mom and Dad was certainly different. Upside? Dad gave me hints about good light, use of mirrors, and interesting patterns. Downside? Well, when you tell your parents to stand closely, face to face, be prepared for a possible awkward moment. Needless to say, I got genuine laughter from both of them.
Today I learned that shooting two adults is different from shooting families and babies. With families, the parents are busy chasing a toddler, or smiling at him or her, and capturing those moments comes more naturally. Babies? They’re darling any which way, and if they’re fed and warm, willing to try anything. I’m looking forward to spending more time shooting couples and learning how to create opportunities for them to respond to each other. That’s probably what I cherish the most about spending time with my clients; seeing people interact and stopping those moments in time for them. I can’t help but think of what I do as an act of service for those I see through the camera.
Want to see the photos individually? Click here.
Wednesday night I had the honor of taking photos at Justin and Ayumi’s wedding reception. The story of how they met sounds like a fairy tale. The gist of it is that he is an English major (awesome in itself, I know) and accepted a job teaching English in Japan. While he was there, he met Ayumi and they fell in love. They were married in Japan earlier this year, in two separate ceremonies: one formal and traditional, and one more informal. He was in Japan for two years, and now they will live in the states for two years while he earns his Master’s Degree. After that, it’s back to Japan, where a teaching job awaits him.
Both Justin and Ayumi are so kind and easy to get along with. They spent the night visiting with friends and relatives, telling stories of their time in Japan. 
Beautiful Ayumi with her gorgeous sister-in-law, Paige. 
Brother-in-law Reid discusses Star Wars with a guest. Maybe he’s a familiar face? 
My cousin Bridgette and her growing family. Thank you for asking me to be a part of your family’s celebration! 
On Monday of this week I was fortunate to spend time with a pretty cool family. Cool for a couple of reasons. Reason one? It’s the family of some former DC grads who plan to teach…be still my beating heart! Reason two: this family will do just about anything for a laugh. More specifically, to encourage a couple of toddlers to smile, but still.
We shot at The Miller House, a locally-owned restaurant, and were fortunate to be there when they’re closed to the public. In retrospect, this was a very good thing.
We shot the whole-family portraits first, then broke into smaller groups. My favorite part of the session? When the unexpected happens. Everything’s looking good, baby’s happy…
then this. Baby on the loose! 
Sweet little family, everyone’s looking great! 
Then the crowd behind me has raised enough racket and is doing who-knows-what (I’m glad I didn’t turn around) and has caused THIS kind of laugh from a toddler? 
Awesome.
Once the boys were set free and hanging out with Mom, things settled down. He was all about pushing that chair, let me tell you. 
This guy was a sweetie. 
I’m holding on to a few gems for later as proofs and won’t share them here.
All things considered – great time. Such a wonderful family to work with, and I cherish being around people that love to laugh and have a good time. 
