Tootsies

Today I got to photograph some of my favorite kids and we had a blast. I used to babysit these kids back before I became a mommy myself. It was such fun to visit them again with camera in hand. I feel so blessed to be able to use photography to capture photos for the people in my life I care about so much. This is just a sneak peek. More to come soon!

Kate and Dan: Just Because

It’s in the way that she smiles. It lights up the room, it holds your attention, it makes you want to be her best friend. She has that power, to make you feel like you are important, brilliant, and interesting, just by the way that she listens to what you say as she smiles encouragingly. No wonder Dan loves her. She smiles and Dan looks at her like he can’t believe luck brought him such a woman. But it wasn’t luck. Dan makes her smile that wonderful smile. He has a special talent for it.

Kate married Dan seven years ago. They are expecting their first child this summer and Kate is glowing these days. You can see in her eyes that Motherhood suits her. And what a mom she will be. She radiates a feeling of nurturing, encouragement, and love. Dan will make the kids laugh, and Kate will always hold them when they cry.

I felt very privileged when Kate and Dan asked me to document their love at such a special time in their life. They stand at the threshold of parenthood. Their lives are about to change forever, and they wanted simply to capture this moment and their love, as they enter this new chapter. I was so overwhelmed to see how happy they both were, how happy they make each other. This is why I love taking pictures. I never tire of capturing those smiles, stolen kisses, and moments when life is changing.

Thank you both, I can’t wait to meet your sweet baby!

Carly

She’s a cute 17-year-old with beautiful eyes and a sweet demeanor. When she smiles it warms your heart and you can’t help but smile in return. She’s smart, fun, and she isn’t afraid to get a little silly. It must be the abundance of brothers she has, or the big plans she has for the coming year away from home, but you can just tell this girl has got it all together. Wherever life takes her, she’s ready for it. Good luck with the rest of your senior year Carly! I hope you enjoy the photos.

Sneaky-Peeky

More to come soon Carly. Thanks for being a great model!

My Sista!

Marni is amazing. She is my little sister. She dresses how she wants, acts how she wants, and doesn’t care what anyone thinks of her. She is spunky, daring, and very much an individual. Marni, you are my hero!

Santa Baby

Last weekend I was asked to take photos at my ward Christmas party of the kids on Santa’s knee. Not wanting a repeat of last year’s abysmal photos (we do not speak of that), I decided to be prepared this year. I borrowed studio lights, I used my new black backdrop, and I got my camera and the lighting all set before the party started. I had been promised some nice Christmas decorations like some poinsettias or a Christmas tree to put in the shot, but in the end the decorations did not come through. At first I was disappointed because I thought the shots would be boring with just Santa and the kids on a black backdrop, but it turned out nice. There is a simplicity about the photos that I really like, and I feel like I got the lighting and the color just right, which is big since I have never set up the lights without help before. Here are a few of my favorites (oh, and please disregard the horrible Santa costume, lol):

Beautiful Family in an Orchard

My beautiful orchard location find came in handy a couple of weeks ago when this family asked me to do their family portraits. The mom really wanted an orchard/wilderness type setting, and I was so happy that I knew just the place to take them!

This family was amazing. All I had to do was put them in the places I wanted them to stand/sit and step back and take the photos. The were so good in front of the camera, and so beautiful and happy. I love that. I love it when everything just comes together- the light, the location, the people. It’s magic. It makes me hold my breath and smile, and when it’s all over I get in my car and squeal with delight. I will never tire of that feeling. It’s when I fall in love with photography all over again.

Thanks you Jeanette. Your family was perfect!

Fun New Prop

Honestly; it’s not really new. I got it from my wonderful MIL awhile ago, not as a prop but as a fun toy for Reese. She thought I could paint it and make it over to be like new.

” To heck with that!”  I said. This would be a great prop for photos and I love the “antique” look. So I promptly put it away and forgot all about it until yesterday when I needed a cute prop for a family portrait session to keep two kiddos under the age of 3 happy and smiling. It turns out the trike was a big winner with the two-year-old little girl and it made for some great pictures. Here is just one to get a taste (isn’t this little girl just gorgeous?)

This was also a shot I got with a 50mm 1.8 lens I was trying out for the day. I used my 24-70mm 2.8 for most of the shoot, but I borrowed this lens and brought it along to try it out since I am trying to decide if I want to buy it.

Collages

One of my favorite parts of photography is creating photo collages like this one. Maybe it’s the scrapbooker in me.:) Jen, I hope you enjoy!

Scouting a new photo location

I have been dying for a new location to take photos at lately. It seems to be a hard thing to find in this area. Yet on a drive this week I passed by an orchard in the middle of housing, a seemingly public orchard with some old wagons and a tractor. I decided that I needed to go back and check it out. Since my little girl is totally paparazzi-ed out, I thought I would bring a friend and her little boy to model for me as well.  Unfortunatly, we got there a bit late for the best light, but I still got a few shots: