Fall Fun... for Everyone?

What I love about these guys? Amber appreciates a NORMAL picture... the kind that captures life as it actually is at times... which is why this one, according to her, should be captioned "Why We Seldom Take Family Pictures". HAHA!

I had such a good time taking pictures for this family. Derek and Kraig were college buddies and Amber and I met when I started dating Kraig. We don't see them nearly as much as we did in the past (though Amber and I are in book club together), but we so enjoy their company. And these kids... mercy. Too adorable and so much fun to hang out with! Thanks, Amber, for letting me have fun with you guys for an afternoon!

Everything looks Better in Autumn-- but not Everyone is Happier

I have owed the Garcia family a photo session for half of forever. Since March to be exact... but who's counting? :) We had a good time (even though little Cameron was not completely happy the whole time!) getting some adorable pictures. I have always had so much fun with Jay and Jessica and their little family! I laugh more than perhaps anyone else I have been around. I loved taking your pics, as always, Garcia family!!! :)

The Sweet, Sweet Chapman Family (subtitled: "Where's Aspen???"

Yesterday afternoon, I got to take pictures of a colleague of mine... someone who teaches with me, someone with whom I share mutual students, someone I spend every single day in the same building with, and someone who parks in the same lot I do. However, aside from one brief meeting and a few emails scheduling pictures, I had never gotten to talk to Katherine at all. Boy have I been missing out! This gal is just so wonderfully gentle and sweet. I had such a great time getting to know her and her precious family- husband Jackie and little Aspen. And Aspen... ah! Such a total dollbaby! I had a wonderful time and they got some really great shots. I can't wait to get to know you better, Katherine!

I Fall for Them Every Time...

I took some fall pictures of my two in a whirlwind session last Sunday afternoon. We literally changed, ran down into the field, shot about 100 quick pics, then ran back to the house to change for Sunday School. They are so easy to take pictures of these days and so much fun. I am such a blessed photographer-teacher-mommy. :)

Annis Family Fall

Even though we were racing with nightfall, I had a great afternoon with Brad, Mallory, and Delaney today! Little Miss Delaney is just a precious child and she was so funny, repeating words we said. She especially enjoyed playing around with the pony and he seemed to really like her too! Mom and Dad were lovely and agreeable people as well! :) Mallory, I hope you guys like your sneak peak. Thanks! (And thanks to Amber for referring them!)

Take the Time to Throw a Few Leaves...

Even on a Monday!

(Or, maybe, especially on a Monday!) Sometimes, it's a little stressful to be a teacher and also have a photography business and be a mom. Lately it feels more than a little stressful. However, I just had a feeling about this session today. I looked forward to it all day and the weather was just absolutely perfect. As it turned out, this afternoon with Braylon and his sweet parents and Gram was exactly the stress-reliever I needed. Braylon ran around and just took such joy in his surroundings, whether it was throwing leaves in the creek or climbing on the hay or running around in the field. I have so many shots from this session where he is about an inch away from my lens, wanting to show me something or take me somewhere. I was reminded again this afternoon that the joy in life comes in looking. There is nothing like the perspective of a four year old to remind this thirty-one year old (for 3 more weeks, at least) that, sometimes, you just have to stop and throw a few leaves!

Thanks a lot, Carolyn. I enjoyed meeting you guys and I hope you love your shots. Thanks again to the Everharts for the referral!!!

Handsome Matthew

I should have taken some vitamins this morning! If I had known how active little Matthew was, I would have. This guy was everywhere and I just thought he was a doll. I really appreciate Margaret for referring them to me. I love the (few) still pictures we got with his contemplative expressions. He was a handsome guy in his vest and jeans! Mandee, it was great to meet you and I had a great time running around with you guys today! :)

And the Sun Shone Through the Clouds!

Slone had her three year old pictures taken last year at the farms. This year, her mom called to see if I wanted to meet them at the Country Club. I thought that was a great idea, and it did end up being perfect. The sky was amazing, the colors brilliant, the family just precious, and Slone an absolute adorable dear! What a great afternoon! I told Kraig when we finished that there are just some families you feel so incredibly at ease with, and this was one of them. Mike, it was great to meet you. Edie, thanks for calling me again! I had a ball with you all!

Boots, Sweaters, and Sillies...

Well, there is a very long story associated with the outfits for these pictures. It involves lots of turmoil and hassle. I do not want to talk about it. I bought them in late summer with the intent of pairing them with brown sweaters. Little did I know, there are no brown sweaters in little girls' sizes to be had... not at Target, not at Walmart, not at TJMaxx, not at Children's Place, not at Old Navy, not at Kmart, and not at Kohls. After nearly losing it in the middle of one of these stores over this (which Emma told me WOULD get me taken to jail), I gave up and went with turtlenecks. Not totally happy with the look, but whatever. The boots were a whole other fiasco. Call me cheap, but paying $17 and more for a pair of boots they MIGHT wear twice this season when I just sold 23 pairs of shoes at a yard sale for 50 cents each is not my idea of being a good steward. Not exactly the style I wanted, but I can handle $8 at Walmart for boots for a fall picture.

Apparently, I DID want to talk about it. :)

Happy Fall, Yall!

They are Family!

Well, I met this cutie back in the late summer, so I was understandably excited when her sweet Mom called me to schedule some family pictures this fall! Mandy and George are just as pleasant to be around as Aubrey (and Kraig might have even found him a new fishing buddy in George!). We had the most beautiful afternoon for their session and I was so excited for them at what we came out with. They are such great people and I am anxious to photograph them again in the future. Here's a sneak peak!