It's A Bird, It's A Plane, It's...

the cutest little superman you ever did see!. I met this little guy over the weekend and he hit the ground running the moment I arrived. I LOVE that his mom let him wear his superman cape throughout the shoot; there is something so special about capturing kids just as they are, cape and all. Those little tiny touches sure add to the moment and the memories. Good call mom!

Boys, boys, boys

I had a blast meeting up with an old friend from church and her sweet little family. She has some of the best behaved boys I have ever been around and we had a lot of fun just hanging out and goofing around. Here are some of the highlights...

Something a little different - Geometry

For the past semester I have been taking a photography course at the local community college just to expose myself to different kinds of photography, new methodology and network with other people interested in photography. My dad, a.k.a. my biggest fan, is notorious for plopping down on my couch and asking to look through my latest stuff. Last night after another request to see my weekly assignment he pushed me to publish my schoolwork on my blog so he could show his sisters. It is a little different than the stuff I normally do so for the next few weeks I will be posting my thematic work on Sundays as a little change of pace.

Geometry

Snuggly Boy

I just absolutely love newborn photography. Something about the sleepy, squishy, wrinkly little babies all curled up in little bundles of fabric just makes my heart go pitter patter. This little guy is the new son of some sweet friends of mine and I am so happy I was able to join them for a little session with their little man. Isn't he just perfect!?!

Busy, Busy

This weekend I met up with a sweet family all the way from Kileen! This little doll of a girl was busy, busy and kept me on my toes but it was so worth it. Isn't she a adorable? Look at those eyes!

Beauty

This weekend I met up with an old friend (28ish years) to do some photos of her and her sweet little Lucy for her annual Christmas cards. Isn't she beautiful?!?

Autumn

This weekend I met up with an old friend from college and her darling family for a family session at the Arboretum. I was so excited when they I saw them walking up in such rich fall colors that I swear it felt like the temperature dropped a degree (momentarily, of course). It was so much fun photographing this adorable newlywed family and their sweet little bundle of joy. Motherhood definitely agrees with Kelli; she is even more beautiful than I remember!

The Making Of A Photograph

I learn something every single time I go to a photoshoot. Every single time. You'd think as much as these boys have been photographed by me that we would have this whole process down to a science by now but the truth is, if the kiddos aren't into what you are trying to do there is no way on earth you are going to get the photo you want. Case in point...

Then I say, "Alright guys, let's try something different" and on the first shot I get this....

Buddies

This weekend my little family got to spend some time with my best friend's kiddos while she and her husband ran an errand. We took the little guys to our local park and had a blast playing around together. I just love these boys to pieces. How could you NOT love these cutie pies? The ONLY thing that would have made it better would be if their little sister could have joined us but you can see her anytime in the upper right hand corner of the blog. Love them!

Budding Model

I don't know what happened but overnight my little guy went from running for his life every time I pulled out the camera to becoming my most enthusiastic model. He loves sitting in my lap as I scroll through potential photos on my computer and telling me which ones he likes the best. He has an uncanny ability for remembering the names of the kiddos that I photograph and points them out by name as he flips through my proof book. This weekend, however, was the first time that he OFFERED to let me take photos of him and hammed it up for each one.

Sisters

I finally had the chance to photograph this sweet little family this weekend after two failed photoshoots, the first postponed by Hurricane Ike and the second cut short by a mishap and injury with the dad. This shoot however was filled with silly, happy girls and beautiful weather.

I've been asked several times over the course of the past few months as to what my secret is for capturing kiddos. The truth is that for every one or two great photos you see there are likely 40-50 really terrible ones of the backs of heads, funny faces or blurry blobs from kiddos running away from me. To see me at a shoot is to see a woman crawling on her knees, sprawled out on her back then stomach then back again, running wildly after silly kiddos and completely drenched in sweat or water in the case of the Higgins family. It is a wild ride and a great workout and more fun than I ever imagined possible. The chance to capture kids just being kids is an adventure and a pleasure all wrapped into one but not an adventure for the faint at heart. I learn something new at every single shoot, I make mistakes, I have fun and if I am lucky I get the chance to capture a glimpse of the very essence of childhood.

Little Guy

What a fun time we had at my first day of mini sessions! I am still processing the hundreds of photos taken that day but wanted to post a quick preview for my cousin who made a trip all the way down from Little Elm! I now have a membership at the Arboretum so if you are interested in doing a photosession in this beautiful natural setting, your entry into the park will be included in your session fee (up to 5 people and does not include parking).

Ao Dai

This weekend I got to photograph my best friend's youngest son in a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai. Aren't they beautiful? :) I just love that little grin.

A Dream

I met a sweet little gal and her parents at the Arboretum this weekend for a personalized tour (that place is HUGE) from mom, who used to work there, and some really fun one-on-one photo time with a darling little girl. The weather was perfect, M was a perfect model and the time just flew by! Here are some of the highlights...