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!

The Sweetest Bond

might be that of teenage siblings with an adorable, tiny little guy! This cute family goes to my church, and I took their pictures last year around this time. Tanner and Jocelyn are both growing up so fast and are so courteous and fun to be around. Little Cole is lucky enough to be doted on not just by Mom and Dad, but also by these siblings. You can see in the pictures the sweet bond they all have with each other. I really enjoyed getting to do this session!

Step Back, Ladies...

This good-looking guy has grown up a LOT since the last time I took pictures for his family! Sometimes I do pics for kids from Bradley or Walker Valley and I enjoy the session so much, it makes me realize that there are so many kids out there I wish I got to teach! Cody is one of those kids. He is just the type of personality I always loved in my 10th grade classes. He is funny, personable, and easygoing. I had a great time doing your pics, Cody, and I hope you have a wonderful year!

Beautiful Courtney...

I was so excited when Dana contacted me about doing senior pictures for her daughter, Courtney. Even better, Dana and her son Tanner were going to come as well to do some of the whole family. Tanner (while he does NOT enjoy photography) is one of my very favorite former students, so it was really nice to get to see him too. The session was wonderful and Courtney is SO beautiful! She was really great to get to know and photograph because her inner beauty shines through.

SO Glad to Meet the Gladdens!

Amy called me back at the beginning of summer, and once I FINALLY called her back, we decided the heat was a little much and we should wait till later. This was probably a wise choice because, though very hot, it was not the 100+ temps we were having early in the summer. I just had such a great time with this family! They were so much fun and so comfortable to be around (can you say ADORABLE?!?!?!)... from the kids to mom and dad to the dog... we just had a ball. I fell in love with their pictures in a way I can only fall in love with precious family photos and I am so glad I got to do their session! Gladdens, I hope you enjoy your pictures for years to come!!! :)

This is Where I Come From...

This is where I come from... In this one picture are so many things... from the people who not only give me a past and a heritage, but those who will also give me a future and a legacy, to the literal ground that has passed through three generations of my family and now serves as the source of make believe and nature's playground for my two girls. There are so many things I love in this picture... so many things that have changed and will continue to change over time... so much that is yet unknown. My grandparents are the rock for all of us, the rock on which seven marriages have now been built, six families have now been based. They have never failed to show us what love for Him and love one for another looks like. From this solid foundation comes two stems of our family tree-- Doug and my mom. Doug and Pam and my parents have maintained and built on what they learned from Grandmother and Grandaddy. They have raised five children in Him and now are influencing grandchildren in the ways of the Lord. The branches extend at the next level in Melissa and Joey, Michelle and Freddy, Kraig and I, Jamie and Megan, and Natalie and Josh. We have seen God's faithfulness in the lives of our parents and grandparents and are establishing our own families in the image of those who came before us. The future, though... the future is in the hands of the limbs. Andrew and Eli, Chloe and Kassidy, Emma and Kelsey, and Elisha, Yasmine, Dylan, and Jacob... they have not yet shown what they are capable of, where they might be called, and whose they will become. They are the test of faith for all of us, to see if they too will allow Him to guide and direct their paths to spouses who love them, fulfilling careers and a lifelong sense of wonder at His provision.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
18 with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Psalm 103:16-18

I'm Baaaack!!!! (And They were GREEAAATT!!!!)

Well, after a LOOOONG break since Christmas sessions with just a couple of sports teams in between, I am back today with my first family session of 2011. It was such a fun and comfortable way to get back into the work, too, with the sweet Casteel family. I have known this family for years, as Randy has gone to my church as long as I can remember and I went to high school (and marched in the saxophone section) with Leslie. Ryan is the handsome older boy in the pictures (coincidentally, he is marrying this precious former student of mine!) who was drafted last year by the Colorado Rockies! The two little soon-to-be-heartbreakers are Cooper and Brody. We had a wonderful time (and got the most adorable pictures!!!) and then the little boys even got to ride Buck the pony with my two and "Mr. Kraig", Brody's Royal Rangers teacher. :) What an awesome February nearly spring afternoon!

Davis 8 + Nana and Papa

This tradition, as long as I have known it, is as old as Emma is. Her first Christmas, she was 7 months old, and we took the kids to Sears to have their pictures made for Nana and Papa. Back then, there were only five kids. Back then, I did not take pictures as a business. Back then, we did pictures as a surprise for Nana and Papa. Back then, life moved a little slower. Seven years later, there are eight kids who are photographed by Davis Photography with Nana and Papa and it is a whirlwind of a holiday and life! Davis Cousins, here’s to you... may you always get as much joy out of being together as you do right now.

An Important Occasion

Sheila had seen photos of several different people I have done lately, and she wanted a session to commemorate a birthday of hers. We got so lucky today to have a relatively warm, nice day for some pictures of her with some very special people to her. I really enjoyed getting to know these (VERY good-natured!) guys and Sheila today. Dwight, you are a great boyfriend to be so willing to take shots like this one! :) Thanks so much, Sheila, and I really enjoyed getting to know you guys! Enjoy your pics!