Belated Christmas

Now that the cards are out and Christmas is over. . .

Merry Christmas!!



***I took the photos for this card, but I didn't do the graphics

BFF

This is my BFF. We've been friends since high school, roommates in college, and although we don't talk much now because of families and such . . . when we get together it's like we haven't missed a step. How gorgeous is her family? So easy to shoot.

Looky who

Look who I got to smile. A big genuine smile. That's all I have to say.

Promised

So I've decided that I'm going to match up my brown headed little girl with this couple's son. Look at this kid--smiling all the time--with those dimples, quite a little catch. It made it quite easy for me. Luckily we got the shoot done before he got his noggin bumped on the ground and got a little sick. Yep, it happens. But look at these pics, it was all worth it.

The light

There is something about this location that produces gorgeous light. I love it. This is the third year I've shot this family, and they make my job easy. Come on, they are gorgeous, right? And I hope the parents are cool with me publishing their backsides. When we took this shot, one of the kids said, "Gross." Not gross----absolutely awesome.

Just lounging

My kid's idea of relaxing in the back yard. This was taken last month. Yes--October.

Tempe Rocks

I love this location! The colors are so vibrant. I love that the little girls are in pink and purple. They look so cute together. And the mom and dad were so good at interacting with their kids. It makes for some fun shots.

Redeemed

Last year I had the bright idea of taking this family to a park for a shoot. But turns out that kids that age just want to play, and not get ANYWHERE near the camera. So this year--no park in sight. And let me tell you--these pictures rock. The thing about this family is that they are good at it. I am comfortable with them and they are comfortable with me and my camera. They brought fun things for the kids, their clothes have just the right amount of POP, and are very THEM. And the mom's hair--luv it.

It is what you make it

I have had photographer friends ask "How do you get people to be so casual and comfortable?". My answer is, I don't always. And it depends on who it is. I have a few families that I have shot before that are just good at what I do. They know what they want. So when they get in front of the camera, they just do what they want captured. The family on the previous post is one. A family that will be posted soon is one. And THIS family is one. I didn't tell the mom to twirl her daughter--she just did. It is so fun to shoot like this, it takes all of the work out. The whole family (including dad--gasp) is on board. And it also helps that the mom's smile is toothpaste commercial worthy. Really.