Meet Travis and Ashley, who will be enjoying a destination wedding this summer. We had So.Much.FUN (really!!) in old Richmond this weekend. Ashley and I have been corresponding via email for a little while now, planning out their session. We actually put together ideas through Pinterest — and I realized what an amazing tool that (not so) little website can be in planning a session with a client! By comparing our different ‘boards’ I was able to see the style of photos that Ashley had in mind, and plan accordingly. It was fun to style and set up our own versions of photos we’d each ‘pinned’ and it kept the creative mode of our time flowing. Travis was amazing at going along with our ideas — he definitely deserved that steak dinner afterwards. (He completely adores his bride-to-be. They were such a precious couple to be around!)Ashley and Travis, I wish you two all the best for your upcoming marriage! You’ll have to send some pics my way of your big day… Thanks for allowing me to capture your engagement session!

We met on a crisp, clear winter morning to capture these beautiful (ahem, handsome) smiles. I so enjoyed being around this trio, who so obviously have close relationships with one another. How fun for me to see a mama with her grown children, and catch a glimpse of what my own little family dynamic might be like in 15-20 years. From what I’m told from those who have traveled this road before, that time goes awfully fast.If my little family can enjoy close relationships like these three do, then I’d say the time will be well spent.What do you do with boy/girl siblings in a fun photo to not make it look like a “prom picture”? Do a jump shot! These two were so creative — we did three jump shots, and all three are different and equally as fun. They planned their jumps and did a great job!

Thank you, Walstad family, for a great session together!

Glenn and Karen are ‘home’ from overseas for the holidays and a bit of a furlough to visit with their kids Molly, Mitchell and his wife Diana, and grandson Corey. Karen had asked in advance for her Christmas present to be a family session, and that is just what we did on the last day of 2011! I couldn’t have asked for a better session — we had a great time, and got some really wonderful photos. I’ll let the rest of the sneak peek tell the rest… Glenn, Karen, Mitchell, Diana, Molly and Corey — Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph you ALL at one time! I enjoyed our evening together, and I hope you’re able to treasure these photos for a long time to come! You’re a special family, and blessed to have so much laughter and love. Glenn and Karen, though for most of the year you’re far from us, you’re never far from our hearts. I cherish our friendship and consider myself blessed to know you.

Happy New Year, everyone! May your 2012 be filled with incredible joy in all circumstances.

Anderson arrived a bit earlier than expected, but what a wonderful Christmas surprise! He was 14 days old on the morning of our session, and was a perfect little model for his photos. We worked in some frogs (for mom, who likes frogs) and a traditional Indonesian print (dad is from Indonesia, and we wrapped Anderson in one of dad’s shirts!) to make this session unique for Anderson. He is precious in both! I love his full lips.Congratulations Cecilia and Jaka on your newest little addition! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture sweet Anderson at this time of life.

Merry Christmas to everyone! May your holiday be blessed!

For twinkly lights, giddy children, stories of Santa, reindeer, elves and snowmen, matching pajamas, first Christmases, wish lists, wrapping paper and memory cards full of photos.
For decorating, celebrating, collaborating, and all things fascinating.For telling the age-old story of our Savior’s birth, candlelight, soul-stirring carols, and sleeping babes.For family love, God’s gift from above, cozy nights by firelight, and hope in our hearts.Thank you Beckham and Kellan for this fun, unique session by your Christmas tree! Happy 6-month birthday to Kellan as well! I so enjoy photographing these boys!

TIP: If you would like to photograph your children and/or family near your Christmas tree and would like to capture the beautiful twinkly lights as well as everyone’s faces, try photographing during the daytime without a flash. Hopefully your tree is set up near a large window — open the curtains and blinds and let in as much natural light as possible. Then, have everyone sit 3-4 feet in front of the tree, while you stand 5-6 feet or so beyond them (or set up a tripod with your camera at that distance). We did not have the space to do these distances in the session above, however, the light from the window as well as from the lights are all showcased nicely and the faces of the boys are illuminated well.

If you want to get even more technical and your camera allows you to change the settings, use a larger aperture (lower f-stop number) when shooting. It draws the focus tighter on the faces, and gives the background more of a blur.

Life with littles is never predictable — especially during a photo session. Little S and Little L are two seriously adorable tow-headed boys who keep their mom and dad on their toes! We enjoyed lots of laughter, adventures in the woods, and of course a great amount of “herding” in our efforts to get some fun family shots as well as some of the boys themselves.

I’d say we were more than successful. The last two are my favorites…Thank you so much Burris bunch for meeting with me this past weekend! It’s always good to catch up with old friends. Y’all are doing a wonderful job with your sweet boys — I enjoyed seeing all of you!

(note: Click on any of the photos above to see a larger, clearer version)