Success!

Anyone who's ever tried to take a family picture with kids under 5 knows what a challenge it is. With each additional kid the difficulty level increases exponentially. So when I uploaded these pictures this afternoon and found I had a photo with everyone looking AND smiling (no swapping heads needed), I felt a wave of relief and victory. :) Please note the hat on big sister. I think I want one.

Picture perfect

Every so often I have a "perfect" session. The lighting is perfect, the subjects are perfect, and every picture turns out just as I'd imagined or better. This was one of those. Funny story: when I first decided I wanted to dip into the photography industry, I asked these two to pose for me so I could get some practice. I cringe to look at those pictures now (not because of them-- purely because my own skills were so lacking). I know I'm still far from perfect, but I hope these show some growth. :-)

Beautiful families

It's hard to believe it's already time for family holiday photos! Speaking of, I only have a few spots left in October so if you are hoping for some holiday pictures please let me know soon. So many cute kids in these families. They make my job easy!

This face on the right makes me laugh so hard! I think I was trying to get her to make a serious face and that's what came out. Sorry for posting a blooper, but it was too good not to!

Baby Olivia

I have been in newborn heaven lately. It must be baby season. :-) Sweet Olivia put up a fight for a bit, but patience paid off in the end. I am loving the groups of three pictures, especially for birth announcements like the one we put together below.

Baby blues

It seems like every kid that steps in front of my camera lately has gigantic eyes! Aren't these beautiful? This first outfit, with the vest and hat, came all the way from Italy. Could he be more precious?

Baby Connor

Sweet Connor, born on Labor Day (hehe), is the easiest baby I have ever photographed. He slept like a champ while we moved and prodded and pushed him around, and even gave us the cutest little faces in response. He was the perfect model for my new cradle - he just curled right up in it like it was made for him.

Connor could be the model for the fetal position. Doesn't he look just like the pictures of babies in the womb?

The kiddos

These pictures were part of an extended family group session, but I have to admit my favorite part was getting some one-on-one time with the kids. Check out the blue eyes on this little guy! And he had just come from sitting in the car for five hours. What a stud!

I love this sweet girl's all-American look. Watch out boys... she will be a knockout, for sure.

And of course, who can resist a newborn in the grass?

Backlog

I seem to have neglected this blog lately. Here are some samples of what I've been up to. Lots of summer fun-- I can't believe it's almost over!

Michael and Ashley

I warned you there would be more from this session. Every single picture in this set has been a joy to edit. Photography can have it's ups and downs-- this was definitely an up!

Mike was constantly tickling Ashley to help her loosen up. It made for some great laughing shots!