And you KNOW that any session that ends like this is going to be a favorite of mine! Is there anything better than meeting some new clients and deciding you already love them within the first five minutes? Love love love!!
Category Archives: family
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Paradise Found
August 12, 2010 – 10:25 am
Last weekend I had the incredible honor of traveling with some of my favorite clients to their vacation home in the stunningly beautiful Cabo san Lucas, Mexico, to photograph “a weekend in the life,” so to speak. These kinds of long, insanely awesome sessions usually have me overflowing with sweet words to match the pictures, but I think my sense are still on overload, because I am (huge shocker) at a complete loss for words.
No way to describe how amazing this family is, a family that lives, by their own admission, an extraordinary life, with a schedule that would make the most organized CEO’s head spin. But with that also comes the priceless life experiences they’ve shared, both awe-inspiring and heartbreaking, and I have no doubt that each of their unique children are growing into amazingly well-rounded, wordly yet grounded, honest and compassionate human beings.
Oh, and they’re also just a complete blast to hang out with!
This weekend we did portraits on the beach, a boat trip to sea, and horseback riding along the coast. They also had house guests in the form of their adorable cousins from New Jersey, who were quick to declare the white sands of Cabo MUCH cooler than the Jersey Shore. (Take that, MTV!) It was a lot to pack into three fun days, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat! (No seriously, guys.. I haven’t unpacked yet.. just say when!) I have so. many. pictures. to share, it is going to take me forever just to scroll through them all. However, since I know they are all still lounging by the pool with little umbrella-laden drinks, anxiously awaiting some kind of peek, I’ve picked out a few to post here now. Not all my favorites, since I had to save some for their sure-to-be-a-knockout holiday cards this year, but hopefully enough to tide them over until I can get settled back in here, unpack my things, recharge my cameras, shake the sand out of my shoes, and get my land-legs back. (Yes, as a matter of fact, I did get quite seasick on the boat.. but it was worth it!)
Without further ado… here’s to a weekend that did NOT suck! Not one tiny bit!
The Modern Family
July 22, 2010 – 7:07 am
If you don’t already watch Modern Family, please do… it is by far one of my favorite shows of last season, mostly because of how accurately (however painfully so) they portray the hilarious, frustrating, complicated, insane moments of family life. Last May’s family portrait scene, of course, stood out for me, as I have not only seen this in families as the photographer, but yes, I will admit, I’ve been that mom too. (can’t figure out how to post just the clip, but if you fastforward to the last five minutes or so you’ll see what I mean)
Watch Modern Family: The Portrait
Perhaps that’s why this family portrait makes me smile so much. Everyone was gathered for Grandma’s 60th birthday, so we met beforehand to do some nice portraits of the whole family. Yes, we got some sweet, smiling, posed ones… but this one, just before we got started, really speaks to me. No, you can’t see everyone’s faces, and yes, there are a million different things going on… but isn’t that what family life is all about? A bunch of people who love each other going in a million different directions at the same time, yet pausing for just a moment to be there for each other, be together, be one family? This is what I call one, big, happy, {modern} family!
Worth the wait…
May 27, 2010 – 11:22 am
This session was a long time in the making. A few (okay, more than a few!) long conversations between mom and I about what they were looking for, how my sessions worked, what location would be best, and the mood we were trying to capture.. followed by a few weeks (okay, more than a few!) of missed opportunities, reschedules, last minute changes, and unavoidable conflicts. And finally, Saturday arrived and all of the stars aligned for us! Everyone’s schedules lined up, the weather was perfect, and oh, did I mention, the whole family walked up looking like they were sent to me by Ford Modeling Agency? I’m not going to deny squealing a little when I saw them come through the gates of the Arboretum.. dressed just right.. coordinated but not matchy, casual but still classic, and all with the most perfect accessory imaginable.. big, bright smiles!
The whole session was one giggle fest after another, and, as is usually the case with little boys, a few wrestling matches in between. Huge props to mom & dad for letting the boys just be themselves.. everything really comes out so much better when everyone steps back and lets go of expectations, just letting things happen naturally. Easier on the parents (who don’t have to stress!), easier on me (who gets great, natural pictures without trying!) and especially easier on the kids (who can enjoy the day instead of getting nagged and picked at about their posture and facial expressions for an hour!). It was really just like falling into step with old friends, even if we had all just met at the gates that morning!
I cannot wait to share the rest of these pictures with the family, but since I’m currently on vacation (writing the blog at midnight on Saturday, only six hours until we leave!!! but scheduling it to post later in the week) they’ll have to wait a little bit longer than usual to get the proofs. (Which is also why they are getting a larger-than-usual sneak peek!) I know for me, it was such a fun morning that it was worth all the delays in scheduling.. let’s just hope they think their pictures are worth the wait as well!
By the way.. how typically boy is this.. instead of just a jumping picture, big brother had to time his launch perfectly so as to get in the air at precisely the right time to be able to smack his little brother on the head mid-air! I might have stopped him, except that it made me laugh so much, and to be honest I was impressed with his timing and aim… he accomplished this three times in a row! Boys! 
Just a reminder, I am still on vacation until June 4th, all voicemails and emails are being checked periodically but answered on an as-needed basis, please be patient while we play catch up but do know we will get to everyone as soon as we can!
Peeks for the week
May 19, 2010 – 9:35 am
Sunday was a crazy busy day last weekend… after the birthday party (see below) all day on Saturday and then a super fun fundraiser for Kelcy (see above) Saturday night, I was EX.HAUST.ED. But.. I had a day jam-packed full of fun new faces and visits with old friends.. too much fun to pass up, so rest would have to wait!
I began with a big family session in Dallas.. grandparents, moms & dads, and three two year olds! Yes, it was just as busy as it sounds! But the girls were so cute, and the weather could not have been more perfect.. it was a great way to start the day!
After that I met up with a family I have photographed many times over the last five years and this session in Las Colinas was no exception… they are always so sweet and fun, and give me so much to work with that I want to keep going and going! This time we had an interesting twist.. they didn’t want to stop either! Even Cooper, the sweet three year old, kept asking “Can you take my picture again?” It was so heartbreakingly precious… I would have stayed if I could!
The next session was for some new friends in Fort Worth, who were so sweet and excited for the session.. can’t help but get excited too! The girls were the same ages as my two youngest, so we hit it off right away! And OMG did I mention their eyes?! Simply stunning.. I couldn’t stop myself from taking LOTS of close-up shots of those bright blues, especially contrasted by their darling freckles… faces with such character make me giddy as a photographer!
Finally, we ended in Grapevine with a family I have photographed many times, this time with the addition of their cousins! So a total of six kids, four of them three and under… yes… that’s what I said.. but surprisingly, it was a very smooth session. Sure, a little chaotic, but never out of control, and just a fun, happy chaos.. the kids were all so sweet and well behaved, and by the end my cheeks hurt when I left from smiling & laughing so much!
Ordinary Miracles
February 26, 2010 – 9:17 am
I photographed this family back in December,when things were crazy, and just realized I hadn’t blogged about them until now. Perhaps because of an oversight, or perhaps because I had a hard time finding the words to describe them, and still do.
2010 has not been kind to this family. Without sharing more personal details than that, I can tell you they have had a tough time. And yet, despite the turmoil, the pain, and the uncertainty they must feel, I’ve rarely been with a family that was more centered, more grounded, more close and loving. And suprisingly happy! Their faith has kept them strong, and I have no doubt there are some “ordinary miracles” waiting in the wings for these incredibly special people. Here’s to happy endings!
Pink and Blue
February 10, 2010 – 12:02 pm
It is no secret that I have three daughters. But growing up, I was the little sister to a big brother. That is the relationship I know the best, that give and take from race cars to tea parties, which usually ends either in some sort of compromise wherein the race cars are the guests at the tea party, or a fight, wherein the race cars crash into the party, sending tiny cups flying and sisters running frantically to mommy for backup. As the saying goes, 90% best friends, 10% arch enemies.
The kiddos in this family fit that profile exactly… one minute sweet and kissy, the next wrestling it out. Or lassoing baby dolls, as the case may be! I couldn’t help myself from falling completely in love with the two of them, from one extreme to the other.. they were so funny and sweet! It took nearly the whole ride home to wipe the smile off my face that I got from a morning with this family, they were just that much fun to be around!
I can’t wait to show the rest of these pictures to mom & dad.. I hope they’ll be as happy with them as I am.. but for now a sweet sneak peek.. enjoy!
A family affair
January 22, 2010 – 9:33 am
This was a session I had been looking forward to… not because I enjoy wrangling large groups (of adults!) but because it was a special day for an extra special family. As someone with a large extended family, I understand how hard it is to get everyone in the same place, let alone dressed and cooperative for pictures, so I was really excited that we were going to make it happen… I know mom & dad were looking forward to it even more than me!
So besides the excitement of the moment, I was looking forward to this session because I know that every. single. member of this family has personality to spare, so together.. no holds barred. And they did not dissapoint! I could barely click the shutter for all the giggling and blushing… to say I was kept on my toes is an understatement!
I think it says a lot about mom & dad, to have raised six kids to be so happy and confident; even all grown up they are still as close as hands and feet, and totally comfortable with themselves and each other, to really let loose and enjoy their time together. I can only hope I am doing the same, I would love to have moments like these with my girls in another twenty years!
Except this one. I have no explanation for this:
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…
December 4, 2009 – 10:27 am
it’s Super Connor!
This sweet baby boy is all grown up, not just into a big boy.. but a superhero! His mom (who is a bit of a superhero herself!) was smart enough to schedule their portrait session right before his birthday party.. everyone was already dressed, the house was clean, and they were all in super happy party mode! Even better.. Connor got to show off his AMAZING! FEATS!
Of course, every good superhero has a heroine by his side, and big sister Avery was ready to step in at any moment and save the day! These two are so close, so sweet together.. must be some sort of super special magnetic force field connecting them!
And the day wasn’t complete until our little superhero had assembled his legion of allies, a whole gaggle of sweet boys (many of whom are no stranger to my lens!) who were ready to tackle the evil Mr. Donovan and save Dallas from his cryptonite! (Actually, Mr. Donovan is a supercool guy himself, teaching little tykes like these sports skills and fitness classes in the Dallas area during the week and occasionally working parties like this one, where he led the gang in a series of “Superhero Training Routines!”)
I’m not sure if I was the good guy or the bad guy, but I know these SUPER pictures are some of my favorites all fall!
I am thankful for my blog
November 22, 2009 – 11:57 pm
Yes, this silly old thing I started years ago before I had any CLUE how much work it would be, or how busy I would be with a growing business and three active girls, and before I had time to consider the GUILT that would follow me when I go more than a few days without a post..as if any mom needs one more thing to feel unnecessarily guilty about.. all things considered.. still.. I LOVE my blog.
I love that it gives me a way to connect with my clients, my friends, friends of my clients, clients of my friends, and even completely random strangers around the world. I can share things I am excited about, pictures I want to show off, stories I want to tell, causes I am passionate about, and completely random ramblings that have no purpose whatsoever. (current post is perfect example!) And I especially love that YOU all love it. I am always taken aback when people mention reading the blog, whether they are a casual “check it every now and then when I am bored” observer, a seasonal “I know my friends had pictures recently and I’m hoping you post a peek” kind of popper in, or (my fav) a die-hard “subscribe to the feed, check it every day, know it by heart, play every game, email when you go a few too many days without a post to make sure you are alive” kind of reader. Seriously. It makes me absolutely tickled to think that anything I post might brighten someone else’s day, even jsut a tiny bit. Because I completely know how little things can really change my mood, or make me think, or give me ideas.. so I love to be a part of that eternal pay it forward kind of sunshine!
Anyway.. back to the blog. People often ask how I decide what to write about. Sometimes I have more ideas in my head than I can spit out, and the posts just come. Sometimes it takes me days to be inspired enough to even type a sentance. But usually it is the pictures that drive the posts, that compel me to tell the story or just share the image..
For example.. last Thursday I spent another amazing day with a family I absolutely ADORE… a family that has seen their share of blog posts.. and I was wondering what part of their day in the life would make a good blog. The addition of the new baby to their loving household, a baby that is proving my theory about third babies being the sweetest, most agreeable creature on the planet…
or do I showcase the painfully sweet relationship between the star of the day and his big sister, who are, as the Chinese proverb says, as close as hands and feet?
Or perhaps all the little moments with his parents, who, despite being busy themselves and having a houseful of fun swirling around them, never seem to be off their game a bit, and make each of these three kiddos feel as if they are the greatest thing since sliced bread?
All of those were fabulous, and truly representative of their amazing family. But the light bulb went off for me around lunchtime, when I was squeezing my behind up the playground at the local McDonald’s, where our little rock star had climbed up a little too far and decided he was stuck. Big sis couldn’t coax him down and mom was in a skirt, so the task was left to me. As I was elbowing my way up the stuffy hot, blindingly bright red plastic tubes, all I could think was
“Yup. This is going to make a great story for the blog.”
If you’ve ever wondered how to make it on the blog, this would be it. Although I might have to consider adding a “child fast food apparatus rescue” fee on to my rates if this keeps up.